Lordosis

Inward curvature of the spine. Normally, for example, the low back demonstrates lordosis. The spine is not supposed to be absolutely straight, so some degree of curvature is normal. When the curve exceeds the usual range, it may be due to musculoskeletal disease or simple poor posture. Treatment is usually by physical therapy, although in severe cases surgery, casting, and/or bracing may be required. Also known as swayback.

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An anteriorly convex curvature of the vertebral column; the normal lordoses of the cervical and lumbar regions are secondary curvatures of the vertebral column, acquired postnatally. SYN: hollow back, saddle back. [G. l., a bending backward]

- cervical l. [TA] the normal, anteriorly convex curvature of the cervical segment of the vertebral column; cervical l. is a secondary curvature of the vertebral column, acquired postnatally as the infant lifts its head. SYN: l. cervicis [TA], l. colli.

- l. cervicis [TA] SYN: cervical l..

- l. colli cervical l..

- l. lumbalis [TA] SYN: lumbar l..

- lumbar l. [TA] the normal, anteriorly convex curvature of the lumbar segment of the vertebral column; lumbar l. is a secondary curvature of the vertebral column, acquired postnatally as the upright posture is assumed when one learns to walk. SYN: l. lumbalis [TA], lumbar flexure.

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lor·do·sis lȯr-'dō-səs n exaggerated forward curvature of the lumbar and cervical regions of the spinal column compare KYPHOSIS, SCOLIOSIS

lor·dot·ic -'dät-ik adj

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n.

inward curvature of the spine. A certain degree of lordosis is normal in the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine: loss of this is a sign of ankylosing spondylitis. Exaggerated lordosis may occur in adolescence, through faulty posture or as a result of disease affecting the vertebrae and spinal muscles. Compare kyphosis.

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lor·do·sis (lor-doґsis) [Gr. lōrdosis] 1. a concave portion of the vertebral column as seen from the side. 2. abnormally increased concavity in the curvature of the lumbar vertebral column as viewed from the side; called also hollow back, saddle back, and swayback. Cf. kyphosis and scoliosis.

Lumbar lordosis and protuberant abdomen characteristic of a toddler.