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Lordosis
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Lordosis is a curvature of the spine in the sagittal plane with a forward convexity.
ICD-10 code
M40. Kyphosis and lordosis.
What causes lordosis?
Physiological lordosis of the cervical and lumbar spine is the result of the formation of the orthostatic position of a person. Pathological, or excessive, lordosis is localized mainly in the lumbar spine, can be a consequence of pathological changes in the lumbar vertebrae and surrounding tissues of a congenital (spina bifida occulta et aperta. spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, wedge-shaped vertebrae) or acquired nature.
Acquired deformation most often develops as a compensatory curvature when the process is localized in another part of the spine (thoracic kyphosis, round back), deformations of the lower limbs, dysfunction of the muscles of the trunk and limbs (coxa vara, ankylosis of the hip joint in a vicious position, congenital hip dislocation, weakness of the gluteus maximus muscles and hyperfunction of the hip flexors), etc.
How does lordosis manifest itself?
In a child with hyperlordosis, when lying on his back, you can easily pass your hand under the lower back. If in this position the child's legs are bent at the hip and knee joints, and the hyperlordosis does not disappear, then it is fixed.
Congenital hyperlordosis in older children with a latent course may manifest itself as rapid fatigue, pain in the lower back. Compensatory lordosis in children most often occurs asymptomatically.
How is lordosis treated?
First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the main cause that caused the development of pathological lordosis. A special set of therapeutic exercises, massage, and thermal physiotherapeutic procedures are recommended.