Meaning
A term used in medicine to describe excessive inward curvature of the spine, particularly in the lower back or lumbar area, is lordosis. The lower back may arch excessively as a result of this disorder, protruding the buttocks and abdomen. Poor posture, obesity, specific medical disorders, or developmental problems are just a few of the causes of lordosis. It might not be uncomfortable in some circumstances, but in others, it might exacerbate back pain, mobility issues, or other associated issues. Exercise, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes that improve posture and lessen any related symptoms are all possible forms of treatment.
Characteristics of Lordosis
- Forward tilt of the pelvis as the resultant abdomen comes out forward.
- Lordosis leads to stretching of the abdominal muscles and anterior spinal ligaments.
- There is a reciprocal shortening of the posterior ligaments and muscles.
- Lordosis may be associated with weakness of the glutei and lengthening of the hamstrings.
Causes
- Hip flexion contracture due to diseases of the hip joint like congenital hip dislocation and tuberculosis.
- Positional or habitual tightness of hip flexors due to paralysis of the abdominals or the flexors of the lumbar spine.
- It could be adaptive when it is developed to compensate for altered balance (kyphosis, ankylosing spondylitis).
- Congenital or acquired spinal defects like spondylolisthesis.
- It could be because of habitual posture.
- Obesity with a protruding abdomen.
- Pregnancy.
Symptoms
Many times, there are no symptoms with Lordosis. Depending on the degree of abnormally curving back pain or strain experienced by the patient,
- The buttock appears prominent due to the excessive arching.
- Muscular dystrophy
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Pain down the legs
- Poor vertebral alignment
Treatment of Lordosis
- Correction of faulty postural habits.
- Strengthening of the weak abdominal muscles.
- Stretching of the tight lumbar muscles and posterior ligaments.
Exercises of Lordosis
- Pelvic bridging: Lie on your back. Try to lift the pelvic area as much as possible from the ground. For progression, try lifting the pelvis with one leg. Alternate legs can be lifted with the pelvis.
- Low back crunch: Lie on your back. Hands straight, parallel to the trunk. With both knees bent, try touching the abdomen with your knees.
- Abdominal crunch: Lie on your back. Both hands clutched behind the head, and knees bent. Lift the head, trying to touch the knees. For progression, lift the head and try touching the opposite knees.
- Hip flexors stretch: Kneel with one knee in a kneeling position. Both hands are at the waist. Try pushing the pelvis forward over the half knee.
Prevention for Lordosis
- Reduce belly fat: Eat healthy while losing fat and strengthening the abs.
- Stretching hip flexor muscles.
- Stretch the upper body.
- Squat correctly.
- Gluteal muscle exercises.
- Maintain the correct body weight.
- Sit in the correct posture.