Correct curvature of the spine shows an image of a spine in an “S” shape if you look at it in the side. When viewing it from the rear, the spine looks vertically straight that is from your neck down to your tailbone. This is the normal and correct curve of the spine. Any difference in this image results to some abnormalities in the spine and we will discuss some of the abnormalities of the spine later on. The correct or normal curves are termed Kyphosis and Lordosis but take note because there are spinal disorders that are termed the same.
The normal Lordosis is seen in the neck and the low back. It is the two forward curves that you see in the cervical spin and lumbar spine while normal Kyphosis is seen in the chest and hip part of the body. It is the two backward curves in the thoracic spine and sacral spine. Each of this curves functions to allocate the mechanical stress suffered when the body moves and at rest.
As mentioned above the term Lordosis and Kyphosis are terms use to refer to certain spinal disorders. Let us take a look in details of some of the most popular and common spinal disorders due to abnormal curves of the spine.
Lordosis
It is an excessive inward curve of the spine and it affects the lumbar spine or lower back although it might sometimes occur in the neck or cervical spine too. Individuals who have this condition may look swayback. Their bearing appears blown up with their buttocks appears prominent. Lordosis strikes people of all ages and when it affects the lumbar spine it cause back pain thus making movement painful and difficult. Certain conditions like osteoporosis, obesity and spondylolisthesis may lead to abnormal Lordosis.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is the opposite of the Lordosis. It is the excessive outward arch of the spine which causes a deformity like a hunchback. This is often affects the thoracic or the chest area but can also occur in the neck in some instances.
Scoliosis
The curve of the spine is abnormal either on the left or right side. This condition often affects the spine in the chest and it is most common to children although there are instance that it affects adults too. You can easily see the abnormality of the spine curvature especially in children.