How Lordosis Affects Your Health: Understanding the Causes of Problems
Lordosis - When the Spine Speaks About the Body's Health
The spine is the supporting pillar of the human body, and not just literally. Besides its mechanical function—providing support and mobility—it also mirrors our lifestyle, physical health, and often even our mental state. One of the important terms frequently mentioned in connection with the spine is lordosis. The word may sound foreign, but its meaning concerns each of us.
Lordosis is the natural forward curvature of the spine—towards the inner part of the torso when viewed from the side. This curvature is completely normal and essential for the proper functioning of the spine. The problem arises when the curvature of the cervical or lumbar spine changes to such an extent that it begins to cause pain or affect posture.
Cervical and Lumbar Lordosis - Two Key Arches
The human spine has four natural curvatures—two forward (known as lordoses) and two backward (known as kyphoses). Cervical lordosis is located in the neck area, helping to balance the head, which weighs about 4–6 kg. Lumbar lordosis is responsible for stability in the lower back area and distributes pressure during walking, sitting, and lifting heavy objects.
Ideally, these curvatures are gentle, smooth, and just right to ensure that pressure is evenly distributed among the vertebrae, discs, and muscles. However, many people experience problems with lordosis—whether it involves its increase (hyperlordosis) or decrease (hypolordosis). Both can result in pain, increased wear of the discs, or even restricted movement.
At first glance, it may seem like a "coincidence" or genetic disposition. In reality, lordosis often reflects our daily habits—extended sitting, lack of movement, incorrect posture, or overloading specific muscle groups.
When Lordosis Changes - How to Recognize a Problem
Many people don't notice that their lumbar or cervical curvature is off until pain appears. However, the body sends signals much earlier—we just often ignore them. Early signs of altered lordosis include stiffness, discomfort during prolonged standing or sitting, and visual changes in posture. For instance, increased lumbar lordosis is noticeable by a significant arch in the lower back, often accompanied by a protruding belly and tilted pelvis. Conversely, decreased cervical lordosis can lead to a "straight neck," visually making it seem as if the head is jutting forward.
An example from everyday life might be an office worker who spends 8 to 10 hours a day in front of a computer. After several months, they start feeling fatigue in the neck and shoulder area, later even in the lower back. Upon visiting a physiotherapist, they discover they have a straightened cervical lordosis and a flattened lumbar curve—a typical consequence of long sitting without proper posture support.
What Causes Changes in Spine Curvature?
Changes in lordosis often result from a combination of factors. On one hand, there are muscle imbalances—an imbalance between the muscle groups supporting the spine. For example, weak abdominal muscles and overloaded back extensors can lead to increased curvature in the lumbar area.
Another factor is a sedentary lifestyle. Long hours at a computer or behind the wheel, without regular breaks and careful ergonomics, can cause the body to "forget" the correct posture. The spine adapts to poor posture, and cervical lordosis straightens or even begins to curve in the opposite direction.
Stress also plays a role. Under psychological tension, we often instinctively hunch, pull our shoulders up, and compress the chest. This defensive posture, if maintained for a long time, can lead to functional changes in the spine's curves.
Changes in lordosis can also occur due to injury, osteoporosis, or degenerative spine diseases. In all cases, the earlier the problem is identified, the easier it is to address—often without the need for surgical intervention.
Can Lordosis Be Corrected?
Most changes in spine curvature are functional in nature—meaning they are not fixed deformities, but the result of improper body use. In such cases, the key to correction is targeted movement, compensatory exercises, and conscious posture.
Functional lordosis disorders can be significantly influenced through physiotherapy, activation of the deep stabilization system (known as the core), improving flexibility, and strengthening weakened muscles. However, exercises should be individually tailored and performed under expert guidance, at least initially.
One effective preventive tool is yoga, which combines strengthening, relaxation, and breathing work. Regular practice enhances body awareness (known as body awareness), which is crucial in combating poor movement patterns.
Workplace ergonomics also plays an important role. A properly adjusted chair, a monitor at eye level, frequent stretching breaks—all these are details that contribute to healthy spine curves in the long run.
When to Seek Professional Help?
If lordosis is accompanied by pain, tingling, limb weakness, or significant changes in posture, consulting a doctor is advisable. An orthopedist or neurologist may recommend X-rays, MRI, or other imaging methods to rule out more serious causes, such as disc herniation or structural deformities.
In most cases, however, invasive treatment is not necessary. Physiotherapy, manual techniques, quality movement, and habit changes often bring relief within a few weeks. As the famous chiropractor B. J. Palmer said: "The spine is like a conductor—when it's out of tune, the body plays out of key."
Simple Home Test
If you're curious about your condition, you can do a simple test at home. Stand with your back against a wall, with your heels, buttocks, shoulder blades, and head touching the wall. Slide your hand between the lower back and the wall. If your hand fits freely but not with a large gap, your lumbar lordosis is likely normal. If the gap is too large or absent, it may indicate a deviation from the ideal curvature.
However, it's important to note that no home test can replace a professional examination. If you have any doubts, consult a physiotherapist or other specialist in the musculoskeletal system.
Sustainable Back Care
In today's world, where daily life is intertwined with technology, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress, it's no wonder that lordosis—and spinal health in general—takes a beating. Yet, how we feel in our bodies often starts with the back. Maintaining the natural curvature of the spine, such as lumbar and cervical lordosis, means not only preventing pain but also improving the quality of life.
Just as we care about home ecology or sustainable fashion, we should behave as responsibly towards our bodies. The spine is our internal tree—it's up to us whether it grows healthily and robustly or bends under the weight of everyday life more than is healthy.
