What causes a curved spine?
• Scoliosis may be congenital (born with) and may require early surgical intervention. In older children, the cause of scoliosis may never be diagnosed.
• Kyphosis may be congenital (born with) from developmental abnormalities; may occur in adolescence from asymmetric spine growth or, albeit rarely, from infection. Kyphosis often accompanies scoliosis.
• Lordosis may be congenital, secondary to hip deformity, occur after trauma or be compensatory (developed) to compensate for excessive kyphosis.
• Description
• Lordosis is an abnormal inward curvature of the lumbar or lower spine. This condition is commonly called “swayback.” Kyphosis is an abnormal outward curvature of the upper thoracic vertebrae. Commonly, this curvature is known as “humpback” or “round back.” Scoliosis is an abnormal sideward curvature of the spine to either the left or right. Some rotation of a portion of the vertebral column also may occur. Scoliosis often occurs in combination with kyphosis and lordosis. These three spinal deformities may affect children as well as adults.
• Etiology
• Lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis may be caused by a variety of problems, including congenital spinal defects, poor posture, a discrepancy in leg lengths (especially in scoliosis), and growth retardation or a vascular disturbance in the epiphysis of the thoracic vertebrae during periods of rapid growth. Kyphosis may be the result of collapsed vertebrae from degenerative arthritis, or it may occur following a history of excessive sport activity. Obesity and osteoporosis can be contributing factors for lordosis. These three spinal deformities also may result from tumors, trauma, infection, osteoarthritis, tuberculosis, endocrine disorders such as Cushing disease, prolonged steroid therapy, and degeneration of the spine associated with aging. Lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis also may be idiopathic.
• Signs and Symptoms
• The onset of lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis...