Lordosis

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Bones of the spine

Lordosis

Swayback

If the back is flexible, lordosis is usually not treated and will not progress or cause problems.

Call your health care provider if you notice that your child has an exaggerated posture or a curve in the back. The condition should be evaluated to determine if there is a medical problem.

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. The child may be asked to bend forward, to the side, and to lie flat on a table so that the spine can be examined in a variety of positions.

Questions about the child's medical history will be asked, including:

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• Time pattern
  • When did you first notice the excessive curve?
  • Is it getting worse or more noticeable?
  • Is it ever better or worse than when examined by the health care provider?
• Quality
  • How would you describe the curve?
  • Does the amount of curve seem to change?
• Symptoms
  • What other symptoms are also present?

In some cases, particularly if the curve seems "fixed" (not bendable), the following or other diagnostic tests may be recommended:

• Lumbosacral spine x-ray
• Spine x-ray
• Other tests to rule out suspected disorders causing the condition

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Review Date: 01/29/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).