The spine's natural curve includes an inward sway above the tail bone then curves out to the middle of the back (see spine image). When that curve is outside the accepted range, the condition is called lordosis, also known as swayback. Lordosis may occur in association with scoliosis. Other causes may include:

• Congenital or developmental disorders, such as achondroplasia (a form of dwarfism)
• Obesity
• Degenerative diseases (osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis, Paget's disease of bone and degenerative disc disease)
• Infections (such as discitis)
• Injury
• Tumors

If the condition is stable and range of movement is normal on twisting, bending forward and backward, and to each side, it's likely that no treatment is necessary. When lordosis limits range of motion or causes neurological problems, such as numbness or tingling, your doctor will perform tests to determine the severity of the curvature. Also, children who are growing with increasing curvature may receive tests and treatments. Tests include a physical exam that includes a neurological assessment and medical history along with a spinal X-ray. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine may also help physicians determine possible causes.

Because the causes of lordosis in adults and children are very different, treatment is geared to the patient's age and cause of the disorder. In many cases, children may improve with spinal bracing, physical therapy , and exercise , though surgical correction is sometimes the best approach. Treatment in adults varies, depending again on cause and severity and may include medications, such as thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Physical therapy , weight management and exercise may also offer adequate relief. Surgical care may also be recommended, especially if neurological function is impaired. Children receive care through the combined efforts of Sutter Neuroscience Institute and Sutter Children's Services with a family-centered approach that ensures each child receives compassionate care tailored to the child's age.

View an illustration of lordosis.

More information on lordosis is available through the following government and nonprofit organizations:

• Lordosis (articles in Medline Plus Health Encyclopedia, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health )
• National Scoliosis Foundation
• Scoliosis Association

For more information on bone and joint conditions, select one of the following: