Kyphosis and lordosis refer to the natural curves of the spine in the mid-back and low back. Sometimes these curves can be larger than normal which can lead to pain. Too much kyphosis occurs when the upper back (thoracic) curves outward into a “C” shape, creating a humpback look. Too much lordosis occurs when the spine in the lower back (lumbar) curves inward, creating a reverse “C” shape or swayback look where the buttocks and stomach are more prominent. Signs and Symptoms

Visible hump or curve in the upper or lower back Pain in the mid or low back

Tight hamstring muscles Difference in shoulder height and forward position Head bends forward compared to the rest of the body

Treatment

Medicine

Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®) may be recommended. Take these as directed by your health care provider. Other minor pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®)

Use of cold and heat

Cold should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for swelling and after any activity that makes symptoms worse. Use ice packs or an ice massage. Heat may be used before stretching and strengthening activities prescribed by your health care provider or athletic trainer. Use a heat pack or warm soak. Apply for 10 to 15 minutes.

Exercises

Exercises to improve range of motion, strength and flexibility may be recommended. These can be done at home but often a referral to a physical therapist or athletic trainer may be prescribed by your health care provider.

Surgery and Bracing

Bracing may be helpful in some cases to decrease pain. In more severe cases that do not get better with bracing or rehab exercises, surgery may be needed.

Increased Risk

Poor posture Family history of the condition Patients need to be followed over time to make sure curves are not worsening. Maintain correct posture, conditioning, flexibility, core, back muscle strength and endurance. Build strong bones with a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D.

When to Call the Health Care Provider Call your health care provider or the Sports Medicine team at (614) 355-6000 if:

Symptoms get worse after 2 to 4 weeks, even with treatment You have loss of bowel or bladder function New, unexplained symptoms develop

Sports Medicine: Kyphosis and Lordosis (PDF) HH-I-527 ©2021, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Schedule an Appointment
Schedule a Sports Medicine Appointment Online

Kyphosis and lordosis refer to the natural curves of the spine in the mid-back and low back. Sometimes these curves can be larger than normal which can lead to pain. Too much kyphosis occurs when the upper back (thoracic) curves outward into a “C” shape, creating a humpback look. Too much lordosis occurs when the spine in the lower back (lumbar) curves inward, creating a reverse “C” shape or swayback look where the buttocks and stomach are more prominent. Signs and Symptoms

Visible hump or curve in the upper or lower back Pain in the mid or low back

Tight hamstring muscles Difference in shoulder height and forward position Head bends forward compared to the rest of the body

Treatment

Medicine

Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®) may be recommended. Take these as directed by your health care provider. Other minor pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®)

Use of cold and heat

Cold should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for swelling and after any activity that makes symptoms worse. Use ice packs or an ice massage. Heat may be used before stretching and strengthening activities prescribed by your health care provider or athletic trainer. Use a heat pack or warm soak. Apply for 10 to 15 minutes.

Exercises

Exercises to improve range of motion, strength and flexibility may be recommended. These can be done at home but often a referral to a physical therapist or athletic trainer may be prescribed by your health care provider.

Surgery and Bracing

Bracing may be helpful in some cases to decrease pain. In more severe cases that do not get better with bracing or rehab exercises, surgery may be needed.

Increased Risk

Poor posture Family history of the condition Patients need to be followed over time to make sure curves are not worsening. Maintain correct posture, conditioning, flexibility, core, back muscle strength and endurance. Build strong bones with a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D.

When to Call the Health Care Provider Call your health care provider or the Sports Medicine team at (614) 355-6000 if:

Symptoms get worse after 2 to 4 weeks, even with treatment You have loss of bowel or bladder function New, unexplained symptoms develop

Sports Medicine: Kyphosis and Lordosis (PDF) HH-I-527 ©2021, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Schedule an Appointment
Schedule a Sports Medicine Appointment Online

Kyphosis and lordosis refer to the natural curves of the spine in the mid-back and low back. Sometimes these curves can be larger than normal which can lead to pain. Too much kyphosis occurs when the upper back (thoracic) curves outward into a “C” shape, creating a humpback look. Too much lordosis occurs when the spine in the lower back (lumbar) curves inward, creating a reverse “C” shape or swayback look where the buttocks and stomach are more prominent. Signs and Symptoms

Visible hump or curve in the upper or lower back Pain in the mid or low back

Tight hamstring muscles Difference in shoulder height and forward position Head bends forward compared to the rest of the body

Treatment

Medicine

Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®) may be recommended. Take these as directed by your health care provider. Other minor pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®)

Use of cold and heat

Cold should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for swelling and after any activity that makes symptoms worse. Use ice packs or an ice massage. Heat may be used before stretching and strengthening activities prescribed by your health care provider or athletic trainer. Use a heat pack or warm soak. Apply for 10 to 15 minutes.

Exercises

Exercises to improve range of motion, strength and flexibility may be recommended. These can be done at home but often a referral to a physical therapist or athletic trainer may be prescribed by your health care provider.

Surgery and Bracing

Bracing may be helpful in some cases to decrease pain. In more severe cases that do not get better with bracing or rehab exercises, surgery may be needed.

Increased Risk

Poor posture Family history of the condition Patients need to be followed over time to make sure curves are not worsening. Maintain correct posture, conditioning, flexibility, core, back muscle strength and endurance. Build strong bones with a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D.

When to Call the Health Care Provider Call your health care provider or the Sports Medicine team at (614) 355-6000 if:

Symptoms get worse after 2 to 4 weeks, even with treatment You have loss of bowel or bladder function New, unexplained symptoms develop

Sports Medicine: Kyphosis and Lordosis (PDF) HH-I-527 ©2021, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Kyphosis and lordosis refer to the natural curves of the spine in the mid-back and low back. Sometimes these curves can be larger than normal which can lead to pain. Too much kyphosis occurs when the upper back (thoracic) curves outward into a “C” shape, creating a humpback look. Too much lordosis occurs when the spine in the lower back (lumbar) curves inward, creating a reverse “C” shape or swayback look where the buttocks and stomach are more prominent.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Visible hump or curve in the upper or lower back
  • Pain in the mid or low back
  • Tight hamstring muscles
  • Difference in shoulder height and forward position
  • Head bends forward compared to the rest of the body

Treatment

  • Medicine
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®) may be recommended. Take these as directed by your health care provider.
  • Other minor pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
  • Use of cold and heat
  • Cold should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for swelling and after any activity that makes symptoms worse. Use ice packs or an ice massage.
  • Heat may be used before stretching and strengthening activities prescribed by your health care provider or athletic trainer. Use a heat pack or warm soak. Apply for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Exercises
  • Exercises to improve range of motion, strength and flexibility may be recommended. These can be done at home but often a referral to a physical therapist or athletic trainer may be prescribed by your health care provider.
  • Surgery and Bracing
  • Bracing may be helpful in some cases to decrease pain. In more severe cases that do not get better with bracing or rehab exercises, surgery may be needed.

Increased Risk

  • Poor posture
  • Family history of the condition
  • Patients need to be followed over time to make sure curves are not worsening.
  • Maintain correct posture, conditioning, flexibility, core, back muscle strength and endurance.
  • Build strong bones with a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D.

When to Call the Health Care Provider

Call your health care provider or the Sports Medicine team at (614) 355-6000 if:

  • Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®) may be recommended. Take these as directed by your health care provider.

  • Other minor pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®)

  • Cold should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for swelling and after any activity that makes symptoms worse. Use ice packs or an ice massage.

  • Heat may be used before stretching and strengthening activities prescribed by your health care provider or athletic trainer. Use a heat pack or warm soak. Apply for 10 to 15 minutes.

  • Exercises to improve range of motion, strength and flexibility may be recommended. These can be done at home but often a referral to a physical therapist or athletic trainer may be prescribed by your health care provider.

  • Bracing may be helpful in some cases to decrease pain. In more severe cases that do not get better with bracing or rehab exercises, surgery may be needed.

  • Symptoms get worse after 2 to 4 weeks, even with treatment

  • You have loss of bowel or bladder function

  • New, unexplained symptoms develop

Sports Medicine: Kyphosis and Lordosis (PDF)

HH-I-527 ©2021, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Schedule an Appointment
Schedule a Sports Medicine Appointment Online

Schedule an Appointment
Schedule a Sports Medicine Appointment Online