The spine is a complex structure whose main functions are to support the body and protect the spinal cord. To perform its functions, the spine is made up of natural curvatures scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis. Unfortunately, these natural curvatures can become abnormal or excessive and cause significant health problems.

Scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis

To help you understand and avoid confusion, here is a clear explanation of the terms:

Your spine has three main curvatures: scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis. These curves allow your spine to support the weight of your body. Each curvature has a specific function and contributes to the proper functioning of your back, however these natural curvatures can also be pathological.

Scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis: Natural curvatures

There are 4 natural curvatures in total, thoracic kyphosis, sacral kyphosis, cervical lordosis and lumbar lordosis. Cervical and lumbar curvatures form lordosis and thoracic and sacral curvatures form kyphosis.

Kyphosis

2 kyphosis type curvatures: thoracic kyphosis , which is located at the level of the chest (T1 to T12) and which is an outward curvature. Then the Sacral Kyphosis , an outward curvature located at the level of the sacrum and coccyx (S1 and lower).

Natural kyphosis-like curvatures allow your spine to support the weight of your head and upper body.

Lordosis

2 Lordosis type curvatures: Cervical Lordosis , an inward curvature located at the neck (C1 to C7) and lumbar Lordosis which is located at the lower back (L1 to L5) and which is an inward curvature. 'interior.

Natural lordosis-type curvatures are essential for posture and mobility. They allow your spine to support the weight of your body effectively.

Scoliosis

Unlike lordosis and kyphosis which are natural curvatures of the spine, scoliosis is often considered a pathological condition because it is a deviation of the spine to the left or right, in the shape of an ''S''. or ''C''.

Mild scoliosis can sometimes be present without serious problems, however severe scoliosis can cause many complications such as breathing problems, pain or functional limitations.

Spinal curvature pathologies

Although natural, curvatures of the spine, scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis can become pathological, causing deformities that negatively impact your posture and overall health.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis being an “S” or “C” shaped deformity of the spine visible when looking at the back, always indicates an anomaly. This anomaly can be a functional scoliosis, caused by abnormal muscular tensions of the paraspinal muscles which impact the curvature, or a structural scoliosis, this one is much more serious and is due to a malformation of the bones of the spine.

Functional scoliosis can be caused by prolonged poor posture, leg length discrepancy, or sciatica. Structural scoliosis can be caused by genetic factors, neuromuscular diseases (such as muscular dystrophy), or congenital malformations of the vertebrae.

Kyphosis

Kyphosis, also called hyperkyphosis, is an exacerbation of natural kyphosis, which results in a hunched posture or 'hunchback posture'. This pathology can present in the form of hyperkyphosis, excessive backward curvature of the thoracic spine or Bison hump, pronounced curvature of the first dorsal vertebrae or the last cervical spine.

The causes of hyperkyphosis are generally aging, poor posture over the long term, degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis with vertebral fractures as well as Scheuermann's diseases (abnormal growth of the vertebrae in adolescents ). Bison hump is caused by the accumulation of fat in the back of the neck, often associated with disorders like Cushing's syndrome.

Lordosis

Lordosis, or more precisely hyperlordosis, corresponds to an excessive curvature of the lumbar spine, called 'lumbar hyperlordosis'. There is also cervical hyper lordosis or 'cervical stiffness', which is characterized by a reduction in the natural curvature of the neck. Then, cervical hyper-lordosis is a reduction in the natural curvature of the neck.

Lumbar hyperlordosis can be due to poor posture, pregnancy, obesity, too weak abdominal muscles or spondylolisthesis, while cervical hyper lordosis it is often due to cervical trauma or congenital conditions.

Scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis: Possible treatments

Regular monitoring and follow-up

It is essential to follow the progression of your curvature with a professional by doing regular x-rays and clinical examinations, to find a treatment adapted to your situation.

Orthopedic corset

For people who are growing, such as adolescents, the orthopedic corset can help limit the progression of the curvature. The orthopedic corset should be worn regularly according to your doctor's specific instructions. The corset allows you to adopt a good posture whatever your condition.

Rehabilitation and physiotherapy

Rehabilitation and physical therapy can help strengthen your back muscles, improve your posture and increase your flexibility. Physiotherapy is recognized as very effective for kyphosis regardless of the cause, lordosis and scoliosis. It relieves pain and teaches you how to manage your body well and adopt a good posture during your daily activities.

If you would like to know more about how to have good posture to prevent pain and preserve your spine: How to adopt good posture on a daily basis?

For more information on physiotherapy we recommend that you consult the French federation of rehabilitative masseurs-physiotherapists (FFMKR).

Physiotherapy and postural exercises

Physiotherapy and postural exercises can help correct any muscle imbalances and improve the alignment of your spine. Physiotherapy is a paramedical discipline that helps treat dysfunctions in the human body using manual techniques.

Weight management and lifestyle changes

A healthy lifestyle with a suitable diet and physical activity greatly help prevent the risk of unnatural deformation of the spine. In addition, adopting correct posture and using ergonomic furniture are essential elements in preventing back problems and health problems in general.

To find out how to adopt good posture, see our article: How to adopt good posture every day?

If you would like more information on ergonomic furniture and how to set up an ergonomic workstation, do not hesitate to consult our article: Ergonomic workstation: How to set up your office?

Surgery

Surgery may be used as a last resort, in cases where all other treatments are not effective. Surgical procedures aim to correct the curvature of the spine and stabilize it, reducing pain. For more information on surgical procedures for the spine, consult the Parisian Back Institute.

Strengthening exercises and stretching

To maintain your flexibility and strengthen your back, it is important to integrate strengthening exercises and stretching into your daily life and to stay active. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, a doctor may recommend certain exercises to manage your scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis.

If you want exercises to prevent back pain and improve your posture, consult our articles:

10 exercises with a ball at the office: For an active and balanced life

The 12 Best Office Stretches to Relieve Stress and Tension

Finally, scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis are natural curvatures of the spine essential for maintaining the body. However, in certain cases, these curvatures of the spine can cause diseases, which is why you must adopt healthy lifestyle habits as well as good posture on a daily basis to preserve your spine.