Lordosis in children: what it is, how it manifests itself and when to intervene

In this article

• Meaning of lordosis
• When it is pathological
• How to recognize it and how to intervene

Meaning of lordosis

The term lordosis derives from the Greek and means "backward bending". "Lordosis, along with kyphosis, is one of the physiological curves of our spine", explains Dr. Osvaldo Mazza, orthopedist of the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in the city." When we are born the column is completely straight and these curves - lordosis and kyphosis - are an adaptation to our bipedal position, so it is important that we are ". It is precisely when a child begins to take its first steps that our spine begins" modeling "until it assumes the correct shape.

In particular, lordosis allows us to maintain an upright position with the minimum expenditure of muscle energy. However, it happens that in children this curvature can be very accentuated and that the pelvis seems too projected backwards, is there to worry?

"Children tend to have one more pronounced lordosis than in adults, but this should not be a concern for parents in most cases. We are usually faced with manifestations of a non-pathological type"explains Dr. Mazza. Lordosis is more visible in children, but it is a transitory situation typical of development that tends to resolve itself with advancing age." Already with adolescence, lordosis is reduced because it changes a bit the position of the center of gravity ".

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Scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis (IMAGES)

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Let's see together the pathologies of the spine. Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine associated with a twisting of the vertebrae. Kyphosis is a ...

When lordosis can become pathological

As we have seen, lordosis is a physiological curvature, so it is not something pathological to correct or worry about. However, there are cases in which the lordosis becomes the indicator of a situation of suffering of the spinal column.

"The condition that is most seen is that in which an insufficiency of abdominal muscles leads to hyperlordosis, that is, a more pronounced curvature than normal, often accompanied by an excessive accumulation of fat in the abdominal region". When the child is overweight and / or does not have enough abdominal muscles, lumbar pain may occur and compensatory hyperlordosis may arise. "This is a problem that is becoming more and more common in children and adolescents who do not follow a proper diet and who do not exercise. Over time, these bad habits can lead to overweight and obesity, and therefore to develop related problems. to posture ".

Finally, lordosis can be pathological, that is accompanied by pain, if the child suffers from spondylolysis. "It's a situation where you have an injury to the back of a lumbar vertebra, usually the last, and it's as if a real fracture develops between the back and front of the vertebra."

Read also: What to do if the child eats too much or is overweight

How to diagnose pathological lordosis and when to intervene

"Precisely because lordosis is a physiological curve of the spine and at an early age it is also quite accentuated, in general there are no fixed parameters to establish whether lordosis is pathological or not"Dr. Mazza explains to us. If the parents have any doubts, it is therefore important to have the child examined as a whole." The specialist will observe the way of walking, will ask if the child suffers from pain in the lower limbs or in the lumbar region and, finally , will take into consideration everything related to his lifestyle, sports and nutrition in particular. "

How to intervene

In this case, you can contact an orthopedist or a physiatrist who can evaluate the young patient and can implement useful strategies to resolve the situation.. The strategies in question often have to do with weight loss and especially with the introduction of a sporting activity. "In some situations, however, it may be useful to start a physiotherapy course to improve the posture of the subject and strengthen the abdominal and lumbar muscles. In the case of a more serious problem such as in the case of spondylolysis - or spondylolisthesis - it will be necessary to intervene depending on the case with aids that can range from brace to surgery. "

Article produced with the advice of Dr. Osvaldo Mazza, orthopedist of the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital

To learn more

• False myths about children's backs
• Scoliosis and children: prevention and treatment
• School, the backpack does not cause scoliosis (but puts the back at risk)
• Kyphosis in children

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