Understanding Spinal Postures: Kyphosis and Lordosis

Posted on Apr 3, 2025 in Physical Education

Q1. What is Lordosis?

Causes and Treatment

Lordosis is a postural deformity affecting the lumbar spine, causing it to curve inward excessively. This shifts the abdomen forward, shoulders outward, and body weight backward, putting pressure on the heels.

Causes of Lordosis:

  • Unbalanced diet
  • Improper environment
  • Poor muscle development
  • Obesity
  • Diseases affecting vertebrae and spinal muscles
  • Lack of exercise
  • Overeating

Treatment for Lordosis:

  • Paschimotanasana: Sitting with legs extended, touching forehead to knees while holding feet.
  • Halasana: Lying down, raising legs overhead, and touching the floor behind the head.
  • Alternate Toe Touching: Standing with feet apart, touching opposite hand to foot while raising the other hand.
  • Stoop Walking: Walking with long strides while bending forward.
  • Prone Lying (Makrasana): Lying face down with abdomen and chest touching the surface.

Q2. Causes of Bad Posture

Bad posture can stem from environmental and hereditary factors, leading to health issues, reduced physical efficiency, psychological stress, and social implications. It can cause postural problems like kyphosis, round shoulders, lordosis, scoliosis, knock knees, bowlegs, and flat feet.

General Causes of Bad Posture:

  1. Accidents: Injuries to muscles, joints, and bones.
  2. Diseases: Various health problems and chronic illnesses.
  3. Poor Nutrition: Unbalanced, over, or under-diet, and lack of essential nutrients.
  4. Incorrect Postural Habits: Wrong positions during sitting, standing, lying, and working.
  5. Improper Treatment: Incorrect or inadequate treatment of injuries.

Q3. What is Posture and its Benefits?

Posture refers to body position, whether static (sitting, standing, lying) or dynamic (walking, running, reading).

Benefits of Correct Posture:

  1. Attractive Appearance: Good posture enhances appearance, making individuals look smart and charming.
  2. Improved Health: Reflects a positive health status and a sound body.
  3. Psychological Balance: Improves mental activeness and overall development.
  4. Reduced Joint Strain: Distributes body weight evenly, minimizing strain and pain.
  5. Enhanced Social Status: Projects a positive image of well-being and lifestyle.
  6. Improved Body Function: Allows various body systems to function optimally.

Q4. Kyphosis vs. Lordosis

Kyphosis, also known as hunchback, involves an excessive outward curvature of the upper spine, leading to a rounded back and often a depressed chest.

Lordosis is an inward curvature of the spine, specifically an increased forward curve in the lumbar region. It can cause difficulties in walking and standing, but is often treatable in early stages.