What are thye symptoms & treatment of lordosis.
Answers
Lordosis is a condition where there is an increased inner curvature of the spine. Normally a human spine displays some amount of lordosis, but if it increases, then it poses a problem for the individual. Causes of Lordosis There is a syndrome called as the lower crossed syndrome, in which muscles surrounding the hip and the spine become tense or weak along with getting stretched. All these different conditions of muscles such as tight and weak muscles result in muscular imbalance. The muscles which are usually tight are: Trunk extensors, hip flexors (especially the iliopsoas muscle) and these tense muscles need stretching. The muscles which are usually weak and stretched are: Abdominal muscles (rectus rectus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique) and hip extensors (hamstrings and gluteus maximus). Symptoms of Lordosis Usually, patients with lordosis do not have any symptoms except for the exaggerated spinal curvature. Other symptoms which may appear according to the severity of the curvature are: Symptoms of Lordosis Pain in the back. Pain may radiate down the legs. Changes in bowel and bladder, although this is rare. If patient has other problems along with lordosis, then the patient may experience developmental dysplasia of the hip, dystrophy of the muscles or neuromuscular problems. Investigations for Lordosis X-ray CT scan Bone scan MRI scan Treatment for Lordosis If the lordosis is mild, then treatment is usually not required. If the patient is experiencing symptoms or discomfort, then the patient can enroll in a physical therapy program where exercises can be done, under the guidance of a therapist, in order to strengthen the muscles and to increase the range of motion. Medications such as NSAIDs or pain killers can be used to decrease pain or swelling if any. If lordosis is detected during childhood, then braces should be worn to prevent further worsening of this condition. For severe cases of lordosis, which does not benefit from the above measures, surgery is required where the spine is straightened using metal rod, screws or hooks. During surgery, the bone grafting can also be done to promote new growth and to stabilize the spine.