Understanding Lordosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The spine naturally has gentle curves that help balance the body and absorb shock during movement. However, when these curves become exaggerated, it can lead to postural and pain-related problems. One such condition is lordosis – an excessive inward curvature of the spine, most commonly seen in the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine).

This condition, often referred to as “swayback,” affects posture, comfort, and mobility. Recognizing the lordosis causes and related symptoms early can help prevent complications and improve spinal alignment. In this blog, we’ll discuss the lumbar lordosis causes, cervical lordosis symptoms, and treatment options to help restore balance and stability to your spine.

What Is Lordosis?

Lordosis refers to an excessive inward curve of the spine. It can occur in two central regions:

Lumbar Lordosis: Lower back curvature
Cervical Lordosis: Neck curvature

Mild lordosis may not cause problems, but when the curve becomes pronounced, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and muscle imbalance. Severe cases may affect movement, posture, or even nerve function.

Common Lordosis Causes

Understanding the root cause is key to effective treatment. Below are the most frequent lordosis causes identified in clinical practice:

Poor Posture: Spending long hours in an incorrect sitting or standing position can weaken the spinal support muscles, leading to an exaggerated curve.
Obesity: Excess abdominal weight pulls the spine forward, causing an increase in curvature in the lumbar area.
Muscle Weakness or Imbalance: Weak core, hip, or back muscles fail to stabilize the spine properly, leading to instability.
Spinal Conditions: Disorders such as spondylolisthesis, osteoporosis, or discitis can alter spinal alignment.
Genetics and Congenital Issues: Some individuals are born with structural differences that predispose them to curvature.
Neuromuscular Disorders: Conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy can alter muscle tone and spinal support.
Hip or Pelvic Problems: Tight hip flexors, pelvic tilt, or post-surgical changes can alter the shape of the spine.

Lumbar Lordosis Causes

Lumbar lordosis affects the lower spine and is the most common form of the condition. Typical lumbar lordosis causes include:

Sedentary Lifestyle: Prolonged sitting weakens the glutes and core.
Obesity: Extra abdominal weight pulls the lumbar spine forward.
Incorrect Exercise Techniques: Overstretching or improper form in workouts can strain the lower back.
Spinal Injuries or Degeneration: Age-related wear or trauma may deepen the lumbar curve.

Over time, untreated curvature can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty standing for long periods.

Loss of Cervical and Lumbar Lordosis: Causes and Implications

Sometimes, instead of an excessive curve, the spine may lose its natural arch, a condition known as loss of lordosis. Both loss of cervical lordosis causes and loss of lumbar lordosis causes are linked to poor posture, injury, or muscle strain.

Loss of Cervical Lordosis Causes:

Prolonged computer or phone use (forward head posture)
Whiplash injuries
Muscle tension in the neck or upper back
Degenerative disc disease

Loss of Lumbar Lordosis Causes:

Chronic back strain or improper lifting
Spinal surgery or trauma
Inflammatory diseases like ankylosing spondylitis
Prolonged sitting without proper back support

Both conditions disrupt spinal balance, causing compensatory strain across other regions of the back.

Lordosis Symptoms

The symptoms vary depending on whether the curve affects the lumbar or cervical spine. Early recognition of lordosis symptoms helps prevent progression.

Common Lordosis Symptoms:

Visible swayback posture with the abdomen and buttocks sticking out
Lower back or neck pain that worsens after standing or sitting
Muscle tightness or stiffness in the back, hips, or shoulders
Limited range of motion when bending or twisting
Fatigue due to constant muscle strain maintaining posture

In severe cases, nerve compression can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs.

Lumbar Lordosis Symptoms

Lumbar lordosis symptoms typically include:

Aching or sharp pain in the lower back
Difficulty standing straight
Tight hamstrings or hip flexors
Increased pressure when walking or lifting
In severe cases, tingling or weakness in the legs

If untreated, chronic lumbar curvature can lead to degenerative spinal changes and herniated discs.

Cervical Lordosis Symptoms

When the neck’s curvature is affected, cervical lordosis symptoms may include:

Neck stiffness and reduced mobility
Pain radiating to the shoulders or upper back
Headaches caused by muscle tension
Tingling or numbness in the arms (in cases of nerve compression)
Difficulty maintaining posture while looking down or working on screens

Both types – lumbar and cervical – can affect overall posture and balance if left unmanaged.

Loss of Lumbar Lordosis Symptoms

When the natural lower-back curve flattens, it can cause:

Constant back stiffness or fatigue
Flattened appearance of the lower spine
Pain while standing or walking
Limited flexibility and poor shock absorption
Secondary pain in the hips or knees due to altered alignment

These loss of lumbar lordosis symptoms often appear in people with sedentary lifestyles or prolonged spinal loading.

Treatment for Lordosis

Most cases of lordosis respond well to non-surgical treatment, which focuses on posture correction and muscle rebalancing.

Physical Therapy:

Core strengthening (planks, pelvic tilts)
Stretching tight hip flexors and hamstrings
Postural training and ergonomic correction

Lifestyle Modifications:

Maintain a healthy weight to reduce spinal stress.
Avoid sitting for long periods – stand and stretch regularly.
Sleep on a supportive mattress that helps align your spine.

Pain Management:

Over-the-counter NSAIDs can relieve discomfort.
Heat therapy or massage may ease muscle tension.

Bracing (in children or progressing cases):
Used to slow curve development and support proper alignment.
Surgery (rare):
Only considered for severe deformities or when nerve compression leads to loss of function.
Treat Underlying Causes:
Address osteoporosis, neuromuscular conditions, or injury-related issues contributing to curvature.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a specialist if you experience:

Persistent or worsening back or neck pain
Numbness or tingling in limbs
Difficulty standing, walking, or bending
Loss of bladder or bowel control

Early diagnosis allows for conservative management and prevents permanent changes in spinal alignment.

Sancheti Hospital: Expert Care for Spinal Health

At Sancheti Hospital, we specialize in diagnosing and managing spinal conditions, such as lordosis, with precision and care. Our orthopedic and physiotherapy teams create customized treatment plans focusing on posture correction, pain relief, and mobility restoration.

Whether you’re dealing with lumbar lordosis symptoms, loss of cervical lordosis causes, or chronic back pain, our experts use evidence-based therapies to restore spinal balance and function.

If back or neck curvature is affecting your daily life, visit Sancheti Hospital for professional evaluation and long-term relief. Strong posture begins with a healthy spine – and we’re here to help you achieve it.