A Comprehensive Guide to Lordosis Management

Lordosis, also known as swayback, is an excessive inward curve of the spine that can cause pain, stiffness, and posture imbalance. It most often affects the lower back (lumbar) or neck (cervical) regions.

This condition occurs when the spine’s natural curve becomes exaggerated, leading to discomfort and alignment issues. Common causes include poor posture, muscle imbalances, obesity, congenital conditions, and pregnancy.

Read on to learn more about the types, causes, symptoms, and treatments for lordosis and how timely physiotherapy can help restore spinal balance.

What Is Lordosis?

Lordosis is a spinal condition where the natural inward curve of the spine becomes excessively pronounced, creating an exaggerated arch in the lower back (lumbar) or neck (cervical) region.

This abnormal curvature can lead to pain, stiffness, and posture imbalance, especially when standing or sitting for long periods.

While a slight curve is normal for spinal flexibility, an exaggerated one indicates misalignment that may result from poor posture, muscle weakness, obesity, congenital deformities, or pregnancy.

Early diagnosis and physiotherapy-based treatment can help restore balance, strengthen support muscles, and relieve discomfort.

Types of Lordosis

The type of lordosis depends on the spinal region affected and the underlying cause. Each form of this condition impacts posture, mobility, and overall spinal alignment differently.

Lumbar Lordosis

Lumbar lordosis is an exaggerated inward curve of the lower spine. A person who suffers from this condition will experience pain in their lower back due to poor posture, muscle imbalances, or obesity. 

Cervical Lordosis

Cervical lordosis is an excessive inward curve of the neck's spine. It can result from poor posture, trauma, or congenital conditions. This condition can lead to neck pain, muscle tightness, and limited range of motion.

Traumatic Lordosis

Traumatic lordosis is an abnormal spinal curvature resulting from severe trauma or injury. Such trauma can damage vertebral structures, ligaments, and muscles, leading to a pronounced inward or outward curvature. As a result, it can lead to pain and limited mobility and affect the alignment of the spine overall. Prompt medical evaluation is essential to assess the extent of damage and provide appropriate treatment to prevent further complications.

Post-surgical Lordosis

Post-surgical lordosis is an abnormal spinal curvature that develops after surgery, often involving the spinal column. Surgical procedures can alter the spine's natural alignment, causing excessive or insufficient curvature. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and reduced spinal function. Adequate post-operative care, rehabilitation, and follow-up are crucial to monitor and manage any changes in spinal curvature, ensuring optimal recovery and minimising complications.

What Causes Lordosis?

Lordosis can develop due to several underlying factors that affect posture, muscle balance, or spinal integrity. Below are the most common causes of lordosis, explained clearly:

Posture

Poor posture, such as prolonged sitting or standing with improper alignment, can contribute to lordosis. It places excessive stress on the spine's natural curves, causing the lower back to arch excessively and leading to an exaggerated inward curve, known as lumbar lordosis.

Obesity

Obesity can contribute to lumbar lordosis and cervical lordosis by altering body weight distribution, leading to increased stress on the spine's natural curves. Excessive weight can cause the lower back to arch excessively, resulting in lumbar lordosis.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, characterised by weakened and brittle bones, can impact spinal health. It may lead to vertebral compression fractures and changes in spinal curvature, including kyphosis or increased lumbar lordosis.

Trauma

Trauma, such as accidents or injuries, can cause abnormal spinal curvatures like lordosis. Severe impact or fractures affecting vertebral structures can disrupt the spine's alignment, leading to exaggerated or insufficient curvature.

Muscular Dystrophy

Genetic disorders such as muscular dystrophy weaken and degrade muscles over time. It can impact muscle function, mobility, and posture, potentially affecting spinal curvature and alignment.

Spondylolisthesis

A spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips over the other, often forward over the one below. This can affect spinal alignment, leading to changes in curvature and potentially causing lordosis.

Surgery

Spinal surgery can inadvertently cause or exacerbate lordosis. Changes in vertebral alignment due to surgical interventions may lead to an abnormal curvature, affecting spinal posture and potentially resulting in conditions like lumbar lordosis.

Identifying the exact cause of lordosis helps in planning an effective physiotherapy-based treatment, ensuring long-term spinal balance and improved posture.

Preventing Lordosis

Preventing lordosis starts with building a strong core, maintaining good posture, and staying physically active. Small lifestyle habits and mindful movement go a long way in protecting your spine from excessive curvature.

Effective ways to prevent lordosis include:

• Maintain good posture: Keep your spine neutral while sitting, standing, and lifting objects.
• Strengthen core muscles: Engage in exercises that improve abdominal and back strength to support spinal alignment.
• Practice proper lifting techniques: Bend your knees and keep your back straight to avoid strain.
• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: Take frequent breaks and stretch to reduce spinal pressure.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Reduces stress on the spine and helps preserve natural curvature.
• Adopt ergonomic habits: Use supportive chairs, workstations, and footwear for balanced spinal support.
• Stay active: Regular exercise and flexibility training improve posture and prevent muscle imbalances.

Who Is at Risk of Lordosis?

Anyone can develop lordosis, but some people are more likely to experience it because of their posture, lifestyle, or health conditions.

You may be at higher risk if you:

• Sit or stand for long hours without proper posture
• Have weak core or back muscles
• Are overweight or obese
• Have osteoporosis or weak bones
• Have had a back injury or spine surgery
• Are pregnant
• Have muscle or nerve disorders such as muscular dystrophy
• Are a growing child or teenager with poor posture

Being aware of these risks helps you take early action — like improving posture, staying active, and seeking physiotherapy support to prevent spine problems.

Symptoms of Lordosis

When identifying lordosis symptoms, patients often notice gradual changes in posture or movement patterns before pain becomes severe. These signs can vary from mild discomfort to chronic issues that affect mobility and daily activities.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of lordosis to watch for:

Common Symptoms of Lordosis:

• Visible inward spinal arch – The lower back or neck may appear overly curved, especially when viewed from the side.
• Lower back or neck pain – Persistent pain or pressure at the curve site, often worse when standing or sitting for long periods.
• Tight or weak back muscles – Muscle tension or weakness in the lumbar or cervical areas can make it difficult to maintain good posture.
• Limited movement and stiffness – Reduced flexibility or difficulty bending, twisting, or performing physical activities.
• Tingling or numbness in legs – Nerve compression due to spinal misalignment can cause radiating sensations in the legs or feet.
• Posture imbalance – Visible tilt in body alignment, with shoulders or hips appearing uneven.
• Pain spreading to hips or thighs – Discomfort may radiate from the lower spine to nearby joints and muscles.

If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional. Early assessment ensures accurate diagnosis and timely treatment to prevent complications.

Lordosis in Children and Pregnant Women

Lordosis can affect different age groups and life stages, often due to growth changes, posture shifts, or body weight distribution. Understanding these variations helps in early correction and prevention.

Lordosis in Children

Lordosis in children involves an exaggerated spinal curve resulting from poor posture, muscle imbalances, or congenital conditions. While a certain degree of lumbar curvature is normal, excessive or abnormal curvatures require attention. Monitoring growth, promoting proper posture, and addressing any underlying factors are crucial to preventing complications and ensuring proper spinal development.

Lordosis During Pregnancy

Lordosis in pregnant women often occurs due to changes in the body's center of gravity and increased weight in the abdominal area. The spine's natural curves adapt to support the growing uterus, resulting in an exaggerated lower back curve. Proper posture awareness, gentle exercises, and prenatal care can help alleviate discomfort and prevent excessive strain on the spine during pregnancy.

How Is Lordosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of lordosis involves a physical examination, posture evaluation, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. These help measure the degree of spinal curvature, assess alignment, and identify the underlying cause.

During the assessment, a physiotherapist or orthopaedic specialist will:

• Examine spinal alignment, balance, and range of motion.
• Review the patient’s medical history and any previous injuries or posture-related issues.
• Conduct postural tests to observe exaggerated curvature or muscle imbalance.
• Recommend imaging scans (like MRI or X-rays) to visualise vertebral positioning and detect structural abnormalities.

An accurate diagnosis helps determine whether the curvature is mild, moderate, or severe, guiding the most suitable physiotherapy or medical treatment plan for recovery.

Treating Lordosis

Lordosis treatment focuses on strengthening spinal support muscles, improving posture, and relieving pain. Most people recover with guided physiotherapy and lifestyle adjustments, while severe cases may require medical or surgical intervention.

Physiotherapy and Exercise for Lordosis

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in lordosis treatment, focusing on posture correction, spinal realignment, and muscle balance. A physiotherapist tailors each session to strengthen core muscles, reduce strain on the spine, and improve flexibility.

Key physiotherapy exercises and techniques include:

• Pelvic Tilts: Strengthen the abdominal and back muscles, supporting spinal stability.
• Cat-Cow Stretch: Enhances spinal flexibility and reduces stiffness.
• Wall Angels: Correct poor posture and improve shoulder alignment.
• Hamstring and Hip-Flexor Stretches: Relieve tightness that contributes to exaggerated spinal curvature.
• Gentle Spinal Extensions: Restore natural curve and reduce tension in the lower back.

In addition to these exercises, physiotherapy may include manual therapy, heat and cold therapy, and ergonomic retraining to relieve pain and enhance spinal mobility.

With regular guided sessions, physiotherapy helps reduce pain, improve posture, and prevent recurrence of lordosis through long-term spinal conditioning.

Anti-inflammatory Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help manage lordosis-related pain and inflammation. They reduce discomfort by inhibiting inflammation causing chemicals. Over-the-counter or prescribed NSAIDs can be used under medical guidance. However, long-term use should be monitored due to potential side effects. Consultation with a healthcare professional ensures safe and appropriate medication usage.

Bracing

Bracing involves using specialised devices to support and correct spinal curvature in lordosis. Braces aim to improve posture, alleviate discomfort, and prevent further progression of abnormal curvatures. Depending on the severity of the condition and the individual's needs, they are prescribed. Regular use of braces, coupled with expert guidance, can aid in managing lordosis and promoting spinal health.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle modifications for lordosis include:

• Maintaining proper posture.
• Staying active with spine-supportive exercises.
• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Practicing ergonomics.
• Avoid prolonged sitting.

These changes promote spinal health and alleviate discomfort associated with abnormal curvatures.

Lordosis Surgery

Surgery for lordosis correction is considered in severe cases that are unresponsive to conservative treatments. Procedures aim to realign the spine, often involving fusion of affected vertebrae with implants or bone grafts. Surgical intervention alleviates pain, improves posture, and enhances spinal health.

Physiotherapy remains the most effective, non-invasive treatment for correcting lordosis and improving spinal mobility. Regular therapy sessions combined with posture training can prevent long-term complications and help patients regain confidence in movement.

Preventing Lordosis

Preventing lordosis starts with building a strong core, maintaining good posture, and staying physically active. Small lifestyle habits and mindful movement go a long way in protecting your spine from excessive curvature.

Effective ways to prevent lordosis include:

• Maintain good posture: Keep your spine neutral while sitting, standing, and lifting objects.
• Strengthen core muscles: Engage in exercises that improve abdominal and back strength to support spinal alignment.
• Practice proper lifting techniques: Bend your knees and keep your back straight to avoid strain.
• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: Take frequent breaks and stretch to reduce spinal pressure.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Reduces stress on the spine and helps preserve natural curvature.
• Adopt ergonomic habits: Use supportive chairs, workstations, and footwear for balanced spinal support.
• Stay active: Regular exercise and flexibility training improve posture and prevent muscle imbalances.

When Should You See a Professional for Lordosis?

If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek timely medical advice. Consult a physiotherapist or spine specialist when you notice any of the following:

• Persistent lower back or neck pain that doesn’t improve with rest or posture correction.
• Difficulty standing straight or visible deepening of the spinal curve.
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs or lower body.
• Pain after pregnancy or during rapid growth phases in children.
• Limited flexibility or stiffness affecting daily movements.
• Recurrent muscle spasms or imbalance while walking or sitting.
• Posture changes that impact confidence or comfort at work or during exercise.

Early diagnosis and guided physiotherapy intervention can correct posture, relieve pain, and prevent long-term complications related to spinal misalignment.

Living Well with Lordosis: What You Can Expect at Physiotattva

Experience exceptional care for Lordosis at Physiotattva with our personalised assessment, state-of-the-art equipment, and decades of experience in the field. Tailored treatment plans address individual needs, integrating exercises and a holistic approach towards lordosis. Our expert team ensures optimal spinal health, enhanced mobility, and improved quality of life.

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.

FAQs

Which type of deformity is lordosis?

Lordosis is a type of spinal deformity characterised by an exaggerated inward curvature, often occurring in the lower back.

What is the common name for lordosis?

"Swayback" is the common name for lordosis, described as an excessive inward curvature of the spine, especially at the back.

Is lordosis a permanent condition?

Lordosis can be managed and improved with proper treatment, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Its severity and response to treatment determine its permanence.

Can lordosis be treated without surgery?

Yes, lordosis can often be treated without surgery through exercises, physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and posture correction.

How does physiotherapy treat lordosis?

Physiotherapy focuses on strengthening the core, correcting posture, and realigning the spine. Techniques include stretching, manual therapy, and targeted exercises to improve balance and reduce pain caused by the exaggerated curve.

How do I know if I have lordosis?

Check for exaggerated inward curves in the lower back or neck. If posture appears arched or discomfort arises, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What causes lordosis in adults?

In adults, lordosis often develops due to poor posture, obesity, muscle weakness, or spinal conditions like osteoporosis and spondylolisthesis. Long hours of sitting and lack of physical activity can also increase the curve in the lower back.

What’s the difference between lordosis and kyphosis?

Lordosis is an excessive inward curve of the spine (often in the lower back or neck), while kyphosis is an exaggerated outward curve, typically seen in the upper back. Both conditions affect posture and spinal balance but require different treatments.