Lumbar hyperlordosis is defined by an exaggeration of the curvature of the lower back at the level of the five lumbar vertebrae. It can be constitutional or triggered by a pathology or a related cause such as persistent bad posture. Lumbar hyperlordosis can occur at any age, with an increased prevalence in seniors. Strength and flexibility exercises can prevent it or reduce its symptoms.

Definition of lumbar hyperlordosis

Lumbar hyperlordosis is defined by an exaggeration of the curvature of the lower back at the level of the five lumbar vertebrae.

Seen from the side, the spine has three natural curvatures: cervical lordosis, the hollow in the neck, kyphosis, the rounding of the upper back, and lordosis – or lumbar lordosis -, the arch of the small of the kidneys. When one of the lordosis is excessive, it is called cervical or lumbar hyperlordosis. Hyperlordosis then pushes the vertebrae to tilt more and more back and changes the general balance of the column.

Types of lumbar hyperlordosis

Lumbar hyperlordosis has two distinct types:

• Constitutional, it corresponds to a family morphotype;
• Secondary, it is triggered by a secondary cause.

Causes of lumbar hyperlordosis

There are many causes of secondary lumbar hyperlordosis. They understand :

• Abdominal hypotonia in the pre-pubertal phase;
• Compensation for an abnormally convex dorsal kyphosis – a round back;
• Too rapid growth of the child’s skeleton;
• Dysplasia – malformation or deformation – of the pelvic joints;
• Achondroplasia –nanism of hereditary and congenital origin;
• Persistent poor posture;
• Neoplasms – cancerous tumors – in the spine;
• An intervertebral hernia;
• Ankylosis or the decrease, or even the blockage, of the movements of a naturally mobile joint;
• Bilateral dislocation of the femoral joint;
• Osteochondrosis – an abnormality in the growth of bone and cartilage – in the lower back;
• Infectious disease;
• Neurological disease;
• Rickets – disease of growth and ossification;
• Kashin-Bek disease – permanent and disabling osteoarticular disease that affects the growing and articular cartilage of long bones;
• And many more

Diagnosis of lumbar hyperlordosis

The diagnosis of lumbar hyperlordosis is made after a thorough medical examination which is first of all based on careful observation of the posture and the spine by the doctor in order to identify areas of deformity with precision. Lumbar hyperlordosis will then be confirmed by an X-ray of the spine.

Except when it is constitutional and painless, lumbar hyperlordosis will require other examinations in order to identify the cause as precisely as possible:

• Scanner ;
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

People affected by lumbar hyperlordosis

By definition, constitutional hyperlordosis is present from birth. Secondary lumbar hyperlordosis, on the other hand, can occur at any age, with an increased prevalence in the elderly.

Factors promoting lumbar hyperlordosis

The factors likely to promote hyperlordosis are:

• The pregnancy ;
• Being overweight or overweight;
• A persistent bad position;
• Back injuries;
• Prolonged or repeated wearing of high-heeled shoes;
• Muscle weakness of the core muscles – abdominal, lumbar strap;
• Osteoporosis, with loss of bone density.

No symptoms

Most lumbar hyperlordosis is neither painful nor disabling and may go unnoticed when moderate.

Throbbing back pain

When the curvature is very exaggerated, on the other hand, the compression of the five lumbar vertebrae may, over time, cause throbbing pain in the back or localized inflammation.

Scoliosis

Over time, repeated inflammation due to lumbar hyperlordosis can result in serious complications such as scoliosis or osteoarthritis (cartilage disease).

Spondylolysis

Constitutional lumbar hyperlordosis is often accompanied, in the long term, by spondylolysis – a veritable fatigue fracture of a posterior arch – a small column articulated up and down to the adjacent vertebrae – subjected to repeated stresses.

Other symptoms

• Numbness in the limbs;
• Pain felt in the arms and legs;
• Inflammation in certain parts of the body: upper back, lower back;
• And many more

The treatment of lumbar hyperlordosis, depending on the cause, will be prescribed on a case-by-case basis.

But the symptoms will be alleviated by:

• Taking certain analgesics, muscle relaxants, or even anti-inflammatory drugs in the event of acute pain;
• A weight loss program in case of overweight;
• Physiotherapy sessions aimed at developing musculature and flexibility.

When the curvature is important, a corset may be necessary to avoid the accentuation of the hyperlordosis.

Surgical interventions, rare, will be considered according to the pathology at the origin of the hyperlordosis for very advanced cases.

To prevent or reduce the symptoms of lumbar hyperlordosis:

• Make sure to correct persistent bad posture;
• Avoid high heels;
• Practice stretching regularly;
• Take care to maintain a healthy weight and sufficient abdominal and back muscles.