Struggling with Back Discomfort? Time to Rule Out Lumbar Lordosis

• Written by Jagriti Chakraborty

  Reviewed by Nidhi Goyal

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“Ugh, my bag is killing me again.” Riya shifted in her chair again for the tenth time and tried to get comfortable. “You should get that checked,” her colleague replied. “ It’s been bothering you for weeks, isn’t it?”

“I think it’s just my posture.” Riya waved it off. 

But when the pain began messing with her sleep and concentration, Riya knew she had to get help. The doctor’s verdict? Lumber Lordosis. An over-bent lower spine that was putting pressure on her spine. 

Does this sound familiar? You’re not the only one. Many people live with this condition unknowingly, brushing it off as everyday back pain. Pristyn Care Data shows that around 56% of people in India tend to wait over 6 weeks before seeing a doctor for back pain, which turns manageable discomfort into long-term pain. 

For many, the real issue lies deep within the spine’s structure, such as an exaggerated inward curve (lumbar lordosis) or even a loss of lumbar lordosis, which causes the lower back to look flat. Whether the curve is too pronounced or too mild, both conditions can lead to poor posture, stiffness, and discomfort over time.

This blog will explain lumbar lordosis and how to recognise, treat, and deal with the signs correctly. 

What is Lumbar Lordosis and its Common Signs 

Lordosis refers to the natural inward curve of your lower spine that maintains proper posture and balance. An exaggerated curve, often due to a spinal condition, poor posture, or other hereditary factors, can disturb your body’s natural alignment, leading to an uneven posture. It often causes your stomach to push forward and your hips to tilt unnaturally, which may result in trouble walking and standing uncomfortably. 

On the other hand, a loss of lumbar lordosis flattens the lower back’s natural curve, causing stiffness, pain and unnatural posture. 

Signs & Symptoms of Lumbar Lordosis

The following symptoms help you identify when lordosis becomes more than just a natural curve and starts causing challenges: 

• The lower spine arches inward more than usual, which makes the posture look unnatural. 
• A prominent C-shaped arc in the lower spine 
• Buttocks stick out unnaturally 
• Visible gap between the lower back and the floor when lying flat. 
• Severe Lower Back Pain 
• Muscle Spasms 
• Difficulty in bending, twisting or standing for extended periods. 
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in severe cases

Are you noticing three or more of these symptoms? Don’t brush them off. It’s time to seek professional advice and take absolute control of your spinal health. Make sure you’ve prepared for the medical expenses in advance. Don’t let back pain break the bank, get covered now!

What Causes Lumbar Lordosis?

Lordosis doesn’t happen by chance. Various factors, from everyday posture to severe spine conditions, can contribute to the development of this condition. Understanding these factors and taking early action can help correct lordosis-

Obesity 

Obesity, especially abdominal fat, is the key contributor to lumbar lordosis, which pulls your weight forward and places stress on the lumbar spine. This often leads to spine degeneration and acute pain. Bad posture and certain spine diseases can make things worse. 

Posture 

Constantly sitting or standing with bad posture, especially if you carry extra weight, can cause your lower spine to curve more than usual. Fortunately, it can often be managed with strengthening exercises and posture correction.

Injuries and Medical Conditions 

Damage to the spine caused by injuries, weak bones, or certain health conditions can disrupt spinal alignment. Trauma, fractures from accidents, and bone-weakening diseases like osteoporosis can lead to structural imbalances. Certain medical conditions, like spondylolisthesis, hip issues, and spinal surgeries, can result in lordosis in the long run. 

Other Factors 

Both genetics and ageing can be responsible for lumbar lordosis. Some individuals inherit peculiar spinal traits that develop an unusually deep arch in their lower spine. Also, as a person ages, especially after 50, spinal changes like bone loss, disc degeneration, and weak core muscles can deepen the natural curve over time.

Do any of these causes match your lifestyle or medical history? A quick consultation can clarify and relieve your concerns. Care Health Insurance covers unlimited e-consultations from general physicians through the mobile app.

How is Male Lordosis Different from Female Lumbar Lordosis? 

While males and females may have similar lordosis, a few anatomical differences between their spines can affect lumbar lordosis. 

Degree of Curvature 

Women typically have a greater degree of inward curvature than men, which helps them achieve balance and movement, especially during pregnancy.  However, if the curve among women becomes too sharp, it can cause posture problems and strain the spine. 

Caudally Located Peak 

Women tend to have the deepest point of their lower back, which is closer to the hips. However, the men have a bit higher up the spine. 

Increased Cranial Peak Height

A woman’s upper lower back leans back more, giving the appearance of a more dramatic arch in the lower back. The spine is more upright in men, making the lower back curve appear less deep and more gently sloped. 

The Verdict: Due to deeper natural curves, hormonal influences, and life stages like pregnancy, women are more prone to the effects of lordosis. This makes women more likely to experience regular back pain and posture issues as compared to men. 

Your back does a lot for you, so maybe it’s time you return the favour.

How to Diagnose Lumbar Lordosis?

A doctor usually identifies Lumbar Lordosis through a physical check-up and various imaging tests. They’ll examine the alignment of your spine and use imaging tools like CT scans or MRIs to diagnose the spinal curve accurately and understand how severe the condition might be. 

Medical History and Symptoms 

The doctor will discuss your medical history, including any history of spinal problems or any symptoms your family members are experiencing, such as back spasms, numbness, etc. 

Visual Inspection

The doctor inspects the spine’s curve to check for lordosis. An overly deep arch may suggest hyperlordosis, while a flat lower back could signal a loss of lumbar lordosis. Each condition can impact your body’s alignment, lead to acute pain, and cause movement difficulty. 

Physical Examination 

Your doctor will physically examine how your spine is aligned, especially in the lower back. They will also observe how you stand and test how well your back bends, stretches, or twists to identify movement issues. They might use gentle pressure along your spine to feel for sore spots or muscle stiffness. 

Imaging Tests 

Doctors might ask you to undergo imaging tests like X-rays to measure how much the spine bends and check alignment. They can also request CT scans or MRIs to examine bones, muscles, and soft tissues more closely and find the condition's root causes.

Awareness is the first step, and treatment and management are the next. Begin your treatment now to feel more aligned, balanced, and pain-free.

What is the Treatment for Loss of Lumbar Lordosis? 

Treatment for Lumbar Lordosis depends on how severe the situation is. Some people may need simple exercises and pain relievers, while others might need advanced treatment like bracing or surgery. 

Lifestyle modifications (for mild cases)

Managing lordosis through lifestyle modifications involves improving posture, stretching tight areas, strengthening core muscles, and maintaining a healthy weight. These can be achieved with regular exercises, mindful movement, and professional guidance like physiotherapy, which can do wonders for better spinal alignment. 

Medical Interventions (for moderate to severe cases)

Medical Lumbar lordosis treatment often begins with conservative approaches like bracing to manage curve progression, chiropractic care for spinal alignment and weight loss. Treating lordosis under medical intervention uses non-surgical treatments unless the problem becomes serious. 

Surgical Intervention (in rare cases)

Surgical interventions are only considered when non-surgical treatments don’t work, and the curve causes mobility issues. Key surgical options are spinal fusion, osteotomy, vertebral column resection, minimally invasive surgery, etc.

Now that you know your options, you can confidently take the next step towards a healthier spine. 

A Lordosis Journey Without Coverage- Case Study 

Background 

• Patient: Mahesh Malhotra 
• Age: 40 
• Occupation: Self-employed 
• Location: Surat, Gujarat
• Insurance Status: No Health Insurance 
• Lifestyle: Physically demanding work with no regular exercise 

Mahesh, often in a hunched position, dismissed his lower back pain as a part of his job. With no health coverage and a growing list of responsibilities at home, he brushed off the early warning signs of postural issues. 

Situation

Over six months, Mahesh’s back pain worsened to stiffness, making daily tasks challenging. With no health insurance policy, he was forced to pay nearly ₹25000 out-of-pocket for diagnostic tests and treatment at a private hospital. Diagnosed with lumbar lordosis, the specialist explained that with early intervention, it could have been managed with minor lifestyle changes and gentle exercises at home. The unexpected costs and missed work further increased his financial and physical stress. 

Outcome 

Mahesh’s symptoms began to improve with consistent physiotherapy, but the recovery was slower and more expensive than it needed to be. 

He now takes daily precautions and exercises gently, but still regrets delaying care. 

He understood one critical lesson: Don’t wait for a crisis-protect yourself with the right health insurance policy. 

Sudden Pain, Unexpected Bills-Insurance Fills the Gap!

Lumbar Lordosis often reflects how we live daily. The modern lifestyle, which is characterised by long hours of sitting, a lack of exercise, and poor posture, can affect spinal alignment. While lifestyle alterations are essential, so is being prepared for the potential medical care that may follow. That’s where health insurance coverage comes to the rescue. 

Comprehensive coverage from a reliable health insurer, such as Care Health Insurance, supports your spine with all-inclusive coverage, providing access to quality medical treatment and recovery support. 

Explore affordable individual health insurance plans to attain the best medical coverage.

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus and policy documents carefully.