Alternative Names: Swayback

Considerations:

The spine has three types of curves:

• Kyphotic curves refer to the outward curve of the thoracic spine (at the level of the ribs) .
• Lordotic curves refer to the inward curve of the lumbar spine (just above the buttocks).
• Scoliotic curving is a sideways curvature of the spine and�is always abnormal.

A small degree of both kyphotic and lordotic curvature is normal.�Too much kyphotic curving causes round shoulders or hunched shoulders (Scheuermann's disease).

Too much lordotic curving�is�called swayback (lordosis). Lordosis�tends to make the buttocks appear more prominent. A child with significant lordosis will have a space beneath his lower back and the surface when laying on the back on a hard surface.�

If the lordotic curve is flexible (when the child bends forward the curve reverses itself) it is generally not a concern. If the curve does not move,�medical evaluation and treatment is needed.

Common Causes:

• Benign juvenile lordosis (not medically significant)
• Achondroplasia
• Spondylolisthesis
• Diskitis

Home Care:

If the back is flexible, lordosis is usually not treated and will not progress or cause problems.

Call your health care provider if:

Call your health care provider if you notice that your child has an exaggerated posture or a curve in the back. The condition should be evaluated to determine if there�is a medical problem.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. The child may be asked to bend forward, to the side, and to lie flat on a table so that the spine can be examined in a variety of positions.

Questions about the child's medical history will be asked, including:

• Time pattern
  • When did it you first notice the excessive curve?
  • Is it getting worse or more noticeable?
  • Is it ever better or worse than when examined by the health care provider?
• Quality
  • How would you describe the curve?
  • Does the amount of curve seem to change?
• Symptoms
  • What other symptoms are also present?

In some cases, particularly if the curve seems "fixed" (not bendable), the following or other diagnostic tests may be recommended:

• Spine x-ray
• Lumbosacral spine x-ray
• Other tests to rule out suspected disorders causing the condition

.