Lordosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that causes an inward curve of the lower back. It can be caused by conditions like achondroplasia, spondylolisthesis, osteoporosis, obesity, kyphosis, discitis, or benign juvenile lordosis. Symptoms vary depending on the cause but may include prominence of the buttocks. Lordosis is diagnosed through medical history, physical exam, and tests like x-rays, bone scans, MRI, CT scans, and blood tests. Treatment depends on the individual and cause but aims to stop curve progression and prevent deformity, sometimes through exercises or treatment of the underlying condition.

1. All you Need to Know About Lordosis
Lordosis? Does the mere name add a few wrinkles on your forehead? Worry not! All that
you are required to know in order to fight lordosis are stated below.
There are a number of health problems that may cause the spine to curve more than normal or be
misaligned.
The following conditions can cause lordosis:
• Achondroplasia. A disorder in which bones do not grow normally, resulting in the short stature
associated with dwarfism
• Spondylolisthesis. A condition in which a vertebrae, usually in the lower back, slips forward
• Osteoporosis, a condition in which vertebrae become fragile and can be easily broken
(compression fractures)
• Obesity, or being extremely overweight
• Kyphosis. A condition marked by an abnormally rounded upper back
• Discitis. Inflammation of the disc space between the bones of the spine most often caused by
infection
• Benign (harmless) juvenile lordosis
Ref: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/types-of-spine-curvature-disorders
What are the symptoms of lordosis?
Each child may experience symptoms differently. The major clinical feature of lordosis is a
prominence of the buttocks. Symptoms will vary depending if lordosis occurs with other defects,
such as muscular dystrophy, developmental dysplasia of the hip, or neuromuscular disorders.
Back pain, pain down the legs, and changes in bowel and bladder habits are not commonly
associated with lordosis. A child experiencing these types of symptoms requires further medical
evaluation by a physician.
The symptoms of lordosis may resemble other spinal conditions or deformities, or may be a
result of an injury or infection. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
How is lordosis diagnosed?

2. The physician makes the diagnosis of lordosis with a complete medical history of the child,
physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Your child's physician obtains a complete prenatal
and birth history of the child and asks if other family members are known to have lordosis.
Diagnostic procedures may include the following:
• x-rays - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce
images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. This test is used to measure and
evaluate the curve. With the use of a full-spine x-ray, the physician or radiologist
measures the angle of the spinal curve. A determination for treatment can often be made
based on this measurement.
• bone scans - a nuclear imaging method to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic
changes in the joints; to detect bone diseases and tumors; to determine the cause of bone
pain or inflammation. This test is to rule out any infection or fractures.
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of
large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs
and structures within the body. This test is done to rule out any associated abnormalities
of the spinal cord and nerves.
• computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging
procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-
sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT
scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and
organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
• blood tests
Early detection of lordosis is important for successful treatment. Pediatricians or family
physicians, and even some school programs, routinely look for signs that lordosis may be
present.
Treatment of lordosis:
Specific treatment for lordosis will be determined by your child's physician based on:
• your child's age, overall health, and medical history
• the extent of the condition
• your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the condition
• your opinion or preference
The goal of treatment is to stop the progression of the curve and prevent deformity. Management
of lordosis will depend upon the cause of the lordosis. Simple exercises may be sufficient if
lordosis is associated with poor posture. However, lordosis occurring as a result of a hip problem
may be treated as a part of the hip problem.
Ref: http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/orthopaedics/lordosis.html

3. Now that you know all about lordosis, fear not if it invades you! you know exactly how to handle it!