Sports Medicine: Kyphosis and Lordosis
Kyphosis and lordosis refer to the natural curves of the spine in the mid-back and low back. Sometimes these curves can be larger than normal which can lead to pain.
What Is Kyphosis & Lordosis?
Kyphosis and lordosis refer to the natural curves of the spine in the mid-back and low back. Sometimes these curves can be larger than normal which can lead to pain. Too much kyphosis occurs when the upper back (thoracic) curves outward into a “C” shape, creating a humpback look. Too much lordosis occurs when the spine in the lower back (lumbar) curves inward, creating a reverse “C” shape or swayback look where the buttocks and stomach are more prominent.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms?
- Visible hump or curve in the upper or lower back
- Pain in the mid or low back
- Tight hamstring muscles
- Difference in shoulder height and forward position
- Head bends forward compared to the rest of the body
Increased Risk
- Poor posture
- Family history of the condition
- Patients need to be followed over time to make sure curves are not worsening.
- Maintain correct posture, conditioning, flexibility, core, back muscle strength and endurance.
- Build strong bones with a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D.
How Is Kyphosis & Lordosis Treated?
- Medicine
- Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®) may be recommended. Take these as directed by your health care provider.
- Other minor pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
- Use of cold and heat
- Cold should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for swelling and after any activity that makes symptoms worse. Use ice packs or an ice massage.
- Heat may be used before stretching and strengthening activities prescribed by your health care provider or athletic trainer. Use a heat pack or warm soak. Apply for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Exercises
- Exercises to improve range of motion, strength and flexibility may be recommended. These can be done at home but often a referral to a physical therapist or athletic trainer may be prescribed by your health care provider.
- Surgery and Bracing
- Bracing may be helpful in some cases to decrease pain. In more severe cases that do not get better with bracing or rehab exercises, surgery may be needed.
When To Call the Doctor
Call your health care provider or the Sports Medicine team at (614) 355-6000 if:
- Symptoms get worse after 2 to 4 weeks, even with treatment
- You have loss of bowel or bladder function
- New, unexplained symptoms develop
Helping Hands Patient Education Materials
Written and illustrated by medical, nursing and allied health professionals at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Helping Hand instructions are intended as a supplement to verbal instructions provided by a medical professional. The information is periodically reviewed and revised to reflect our current practice. However, Nationwide Children's Hospital is not responsible for any consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information in the Helping Hands.
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