lordosis

Last reviewed 01/2018

Lordosis is a curve in the spine in a sagittal plane, convexity forwards. A certain amount of lordosis is normal in the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine.

Loss of the normal lumbar lordosis may be a sign of ankylosing spondylitis or paravertebal muscle spasm. Exaggerated lordosis can occur in:

  • adolescence as a normal variant
  • pregancy
  • obesity
  • vertebral and spinal muscle disease
  • fixed flexion deformity of the hip
  • weak muscles of the anterior abdominal wall