The spine serves to support the upper body and form posture. The spine can experience abnormalities that cause changes in curvature. Get to know some types of spinal disorders that often occur.
The spine is made up of bones that are stacked on top of one another. A healthy spine has a slight curvature. This arch serves to withstand pressure and help the movement of the body. However, excessive curvature of one part of the spine can actually interfere with function and cause discomfort.
Various Abnormalities in the Spine
The following are various types of spinal disorders that you need to know about:
Lordosis
Lordosis is a condition in which the spine in the lower back area curves or bends forward. Normally, the spine in this section is curved forward. However, in people with lordosis, the curvature is excessive, so that the spine gets too much pressure and causes pain.
Some things that can cause lordosis include:
- Bad posture.
- Pregnancy.
- Obesity.
- Osteoporosis.
- Discitis (inflammation of the space between the vertebrae).
- Spondylolisthesis.
- Muscular dystrophy.
- genetics.
Most cases of lordosis are mild, meaning they will go away on their own. However, if the spinal curvature is severe and causes pain, the doctor will provide treatment according to the patient's age and medical history, as well as the cause of the lordosis. Treatment options that can be given by doctors include drug therapy, physiotherapy, diet programs, and surgery.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is a spinal disorder that causes the upper back to bend abnormally. Ideally, the spine should have a curvature of 25 to 45 degrees. However, in people with kyphosis, the curvature of the spine can reach 50 degrees or more. This is what makes people with kyphosis have a bent posture.
There are many factors that can cause kyphosis, including:
- Bad posture.
- Osteoporosis.
- Arthritis.
- Spina bifida.
- Disease Scheuermann.
- spinal infection.
- Tumors in the spine.
- Congenital kyphosis (congenital birth).
As with lordosis, the treatment of kyphosis will depend on its severity. For kyphosis caused by poor posture, your doctor may suggest physiotherapy and the use of a back brace. Meanwhile, for kyphosis caused by spinal abnormalities, doctors can provide treatment in the form of painkillers and surgical procedures.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a spinal disorder in which the bones bend sideways abnormally. This curvature of the spine can be shaped like the letter S or C. People with scoliosis generally have shoulders or hips that look out of balance. About 80% of cases of scoliosis have no known cause, so it is often called idiopathic scoliosis.
The rest can be caused by the following causes:
- Infection of the spine.
- Neuromuscular disorders, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
- Congenital birth defects.
- Genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome and Marfan syndrome.
Treatment for scoliosis depends on your age, severity, and curvature pattern. Treatment that can be given to people with scoliosis includes observation through routine examinations, the use of back supports, and surgical procedures.
The various spinal disorders described above need to be treated. If you feel you have a spinal disorder or often experience back pain that is getting worse and worse, check with an orthopedic doctor or orthopedic spine specialist for further treatment.