Lordosis

Alternative names:

swayback

Home care:

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 misaligned back. This condition should be evaluated to determine if there is a medically significant cause.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting lordosis in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did it you first notice the excessive curvature?
  • 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 curvature?
  • Does the amount of curvature seem to change?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination:
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.

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

• spine X-ray
• lumbosacral spine X-ray
• other tests to rule out suspected disorders causing the condition

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to lordosis to your personal medical record.