It is a postural disorder in which the natural curvature of the lumbar spine is slightly or markedly enhanced. It commonly happens when the spinal column has to bear extreme stress or extra weight repeatedly and it is curved excessively, leading to excessive lordosis. The excessive curving of the spine can lead to issues such as back pain, including muscle pain and spasms.
Common Causes of Hyperlordosis
There may be many reasons for lumbar hyperlordosis but here we’ll discuss some common causes of lumbar lordosis:
- Spondylolisthesis, which is a condition of the vertebral column in which one of the intervertebral discs is slipped forward onto the lower vertebral bone in the lower spine.
- Achondroplasia, which is a type of dwarfism. Due to short stature, lumbar region of the vertebral column has to tolerate extra stress and thus curvature is enhanced.
- Osteoporosis, a degenerative disorder of bone which is commonly age-related and which causes bone density to lessen significantly, increasing the risk of fractures is increased.
- Osteosarcoma. It is a type of malignant bone tumor which commonly happens in the tibia, near the knee joint. It can also appear on the bones of upper limbs near the shoulder.
- Obesity. People who are obese, are more prone to develop hyperlordosis due to the extra weight that puts extra pressure to the vertebral column.
- Poor posture, which can affect your spine when you’re either standing or sitting down.
- Having a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of suffering from back disorders. The lack of exercise causes the weakening of the core muscles or back muscles, which now cannot support the vertebral column in a good manner.
Symptoms of Hyperlordosis
Some of the most common symptoms of lumbar hyperlordosis include:
- Visibly exaggerated curvature of the spine in the lumbar region
- Lower back pain
- Sensations of tingling and numbness that are felt in the arms, hands, buttocks, back of thighs, legs, and feet
- In extremecases, bladder or bowel disturbance may occur
How to Treat Lumbar Hyperlordosis?
Patients who suffer from a mild type of lordosis do not require medical intervention. But if the condition is severe, medical help is compulsory. Some treatment options for lordosis are following:
- Painkillers, to lessen the pain and discomfort associated with lordosis
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling of soft tissues
- Physical therapy to enhance the strength of muscles and improve range of movement
- Weight loss is advised for people who carry extra weight, as this will help with the correction of posture
- Back braces are helpful in children and teenagers.
- Nutritional supplements such as calcium and vitamin D
- In severe cases, surgical intervention is needed to correct the deformity.
Outlook for Lumbar Hyperlordosis
In most cases, lumbar hyperlordosis does not cause any major health problems. If the lordosis is ignored and not treated well, it can cause permanent discomfort and more chances of disorders with the vertebral column, hip girdle and internal organs, such as an anterior pelvic tilt.
However, if the disorder is severe enough to interfere with one’s ability to carry out simple everyday tasks and presents an inconvenience to the sufferer, it is advised to seek medical advice from a qualified professional in order to obtain a diagnosis as well as a treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Lumbar Lordosis
Lumbar hyperlordosis does not require invasive treatment options for a large number of cases. That’s why it is best to start with minimally-invasive, natural approaches, such as exercises.
Exercises that focus on lumbar stabiliation, as well as strengthening abdominal muscles, and relaxing hip flexors to provide movement are all great first steps in addressing this issue. They help make lumbar muscles stronger, providing enhanced stability for the lumbar spine, as well as increased mobility in the lower back and hip region.
Some the useful stabilization exercises to consider for this condition are situps, squats, quadruped arm and leg raises, as well as reverse planks.
Exercising may also help improve posture. Good posture helps reduce some of the pressure that is unevenly distributed along the back when it is misaligned.
Alternatively, you can use a spinal decompression device, such as the Backrack, to decompress your vertebrae and obtain long-term pain relief.
Author: Spinal Backrack
