A common complaint amongst adults is back pain. Often, this pain is the result of poor posture and can be alleviated with stretches and strengthening exercises. However, for some people, back pain is the result of a spinal deformity.
There are three common spinal deformities: lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis. Lordosis is an inward curve of the spine, kyphosis is an outward curve, and scoliosis is a sideways curve. These deformities can be mild, moderate, or severe. They can also be static, meaning they do not change over time, or progressive, meaning they worsen over time.
While spinal deformities are usually not painful, they can cause pain if they are severe enough to compress nerves or cause the spine to misalign. In some cases, spinal deformities may also lead to mobility issues. If you think you may have a spinal deformity, it is important to see a doctor so they can rule out any other causes of your pain and recommend treatment.
What is lordosis?
Lordosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. It can occur in the cervical spine (neck), the thoracic spine (mid-back), or the lumbar spine (low back). Lordosis can also cause pain in the low back and buttocks.
There are several causes of lordosis, including congenital abnormalities, degenerative changes in the spine, and injuries. Treatment for lordosis depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, such as with congenital abnormalities, treatment may not be necessary. For degenerative changes or injuries, treatment may involve physical therapy, bracing, or surgery.
What is Kyphosis?
Kyphosis is a condition that results in an excessive curvature of the spine. It can occur in any age group, but is most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults. Kyphosis can be caused by a number of different things, including birth defects, degenerative diseases, and injuries.
Symptoms of kyphosis include back pain, fatigue, and a rounded appearance of the back. Kyphosis can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the curvature. In some cases, kyphosis can cause difficulty with activities of daily living, such as walking and sitting.
Kyphosis can be treated with several different methods, depending on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, treatment may not be necessary. In more severe cases, treatment may include bracing and physical therapy.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways. It can occur in children or adults, but it is mostly diagnosed in children between the ages of 10 and 15. Scoliosis is more common in girls than in boys.
There are two types of scoliosis: structural and functional. Structural scoliosis is when the spine is abnormally shaped due to a birth defect, injury, or disease. Functional scoliosis is when the spine is straight, but it curves due to poor posture or an unequal leg length.
Scoliosis is usually diagnosed with a physical examination and X-rays of the spine. Treatment for scoliosis depends on the severity of the curve, but it may involve wearing a back brace or having surgery to straighten the spine.
There are many common spinal deformities, but the three most common are lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis. Each of these deformities can cause pain and other problems. In some cases, they can be life-changing. If you have any of these deformities, it is important to seek medical treatment.