The spine, or backbone, is made up of small bones (vertebrae) stacked -- along with discs -- one on top of another. A healthy spine when viewed from the side has gentle curves to it. The curves help the spine absorb stress from body movement and gravity. When viewed from the back, the spine should run straight down the middle of the back.
When abnormalities of the spine occur, the natural curvatures of the spine are misaligned or exaggerated in certain areas, as occurs with lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis. There
are three main types of spine curvature disorders, including: There are a number of health problems that may cause the spine to curve more than normal or be misaligned. The following conditions can cause lordosis: The following conditions can cause kyphosis: Doctors do not know what causes the most common type of scoliosis seen in adolescents. However, doctors do know that scoliosis tends to run in families. A disease, injury, infection, or birth defect also may be to blame. Symptoms vary depending on the type of spine curvature disorder and the severity of the
condition. Symptoms of lordosis may include:
Symptoms of kyphosis are usually visible in nature and include:
Postural kyphosis does not typically cause back pain; however, physical activity and long periods of standing and sitting can cause discomfort for people with Scheuermann's kyphosis. Symptoms of scoliosis may include having:
How are spine curvature disorders treated?In general, treatment is determined based on the severity and type of spinal curvature disorder you have. Mild spinal curvature, as occurs with postural kyphosis, may not be treated at all. More severe spinal curvature may require the use of a back brace or surgery. Treatment for lordosis may include:
Treatment for kyphosis may include:
Treatment for scoliosis may include:
Exercise programs, chiropractic treatment, electrical stimulation, and nutritional supplements have not been proven to prevent the worsening of scoliosis. It is still ideal to keep as much as strength and flexibility to maintain normal function. This may require more effort and attention in someone with scoliosis. The following procedures may be used to treat spine curvature disorders:
How do I know if I have a spine curvature disorder?Your doctor can diagnose a spine curvature disorder by taking a medical and family history, examining the curve of your spine during a physical examination, and using imaging tests, like X-rays, to look more closely at the spine. X-rays can show if there are any abnormalities to the bones of the spine and can also measure how much curve is present. If you or a loved one's back appears to have an abnormal curve to it, beyond just poor posture, see your doctor so that you can be evaluated and treated. Which condition is associated with exaggeration of the posterior curvature of the thoracic spine?Kyphosis is an exaggerated, forward rounding of the upper back. In older people, kyphosis is often due to weakness in the spinal bones that causes them to compress or crack.
What is posterior curvature of the thoracic spine?The C-shaped curves of the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine) are called lordosis. The reverse C-shaped curve of the chest (thoracic spine) is called kyphosis.
Which term refers to the exaggeration of the posterior curvature of the thoracic spine quizlet?Which term refers to the exaggeration of the posterior curvature of the thoracic spine? Lordosis.
Which of the following refers to an exaggerated thoracic curvature of the spine?Kyphosis is curvature of the spine that causes the top of the back to appear more rounded than normal. Everyone has some degree of curvature in their spine. However, a curve of more than 45 degrees is considered excessive.
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