1. kyphosis
Kyphosis is a term that’s used to describe excessive curving of the upper back. It typically causes the top of the back to roll forward. When viewed in profile, a person with kyphosis may look like they have a “hunchback.” People with kyphosis tend to have shoulders that look curved, and their chins tend to protrude excessively forward, rather than being tucked naturally under the head.
There are lots of things that can contribute to kyphosis. This includes injuries, muscular imbalances, degenerative diseases, and bad posture during adolescence or at work. It can cause or contribute to a lot of other health issues, too, such as headaches, muscle weakness in the upper body, and balance problems, to name just a few.
Treatments vary depending on the severity of kyphosis. Deep tissue massage, stretches, and manual adjustments can be effective for treating patients with kyphosis. Surgery may be recommended, but only in very severe cases.
2. lordosis
Lordosis refers to an excessive inward curving of the lower spine. People who have lordosis have an exaggerated curve of the lower spine. When viewed in profile, a person with lordosis will look like they're arching their back, with their stomach pushed further forward and their butt pushed further backward than normal.
Like kyphosis, lots of things can contribute to lordosis. However, it’s primarily caused by muscle imbalances in the core. When the muscles of the abs, hip, and lower back are weak or very tight, this can cause the lower back to curve excessively. This, in turn, leads to lordosis.
Because of this, stretching and exercising to increase core strength and flexibility can help with lordosis. Massage, physical therapy, and techniques to change your posture may also help relieve lordosis, and maintain a more natural curvature in your spine. Working with a Fayetteville chiropractor is the best way to straighten out the curve and restore your spine’s natural arch.
3. scoliosis
Everyone has some level of kyphosis and lordosis. Spinal curvature is normal, and it’s only a problem when it becomes excessive. In contrast, scoliosis is not normal, and doctors don’t yet know exactly what causes it.
In scoliosis, the spine is curved to the side. If you’re looking at a person’s spine from the back, it should normally go straight up and down, like a line. But in scoliosis, the upper and lower spine curve away from each other in an “S” shape. This can make a person’s back and torso look crooked or imbalanced, but people with scoliosis may have a straight back if the curves in their spine counteract each other.
Treatments vary, depending on the severity of the curve and whether or not it’s causing any other problems. Massage, stretching, and chiropractic adjustments may be used for minor to moderate cases. Back braces may be used in children and adolescents to help reduce the severity of scoliosis. In severe cases, surgery can be used to straighten the spine.
do you need help with your posture? come to thrive wellness center today!
At Thrive Wellness Center, we can help patients with kyphosis, lordosis, and scoliosis get relief from their pain, reduce their symptoms, and live a healthier life. Dr. Ozanne and our team specialize in postural correction and treatments for back pain and neck pain, so don’t wait. Contact our Fayetteville team online or give us a call at (479) 439-8121 to schedule your consultation and get help today.