Lordosis

Question 1

What does lordosis refer to? and what does it usually accompany (another postural deformity)

Answer 1

an exaggeration of the lumbar curve resulting in a position of increased extension in the lumbar spine (usually accompanied with kyphosis)

Question 2

How does lordosis affect the spine and pelvis?

Answer 2

• anteriorly tilted pelvis
• the anterior tilting of the pelvis typically results in a flexed hip position and
• hyper- extended knees
• this tends to place the ankle in a position of plantar flexion.

Question 3

What muscle imbalance can lordosis cause?

Answer 3

• abdominals, particularly rectus abdominis and external oblique, tend to be lengthened, have poor tone and may be weak.
• gluteals (maximus and medius) are typically lengthened with poor tone.
• hip flexors, particularly the one-joint hip flexors, are often short and tight. - lower back erectors are probably strong and may be tight.

Question 4

What happens to the hamstrings in a client with lordosis?

Answer 4

may expect their hamstrings to be lengthened due to the anterior position of the pelvis. However, they may be overactive and tight, as they try to combat the anterior tilting of the pelvis, or weak and inhibited.

Question 5

What are some causes of lordosis?

Answer 5

Lordosis is commonly seen in
- pregnant women
- obese clients
- dancers
- participants in various sports.
- the result of a congenital spinal deformity
- overtraining in sports requiring repeated lumbar hyperextension such as figure skating, gymnastics, javelin throwing, or swimming the butterfly stroke.

Question 6

What kind of pain problems can we see in clients with lordosis?

Answer 6

lower back pain, knee pain and hamstring strains.