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Glossary

What Is Lordosis?

Lordosis is an inward curve of the spine, most noticeable in the neck and lower back. A normal curve helps distribute movement and support through the spine. An exaggerated curve may change posture and place added demand on nearby muscles and joints. Clinicians assess lordosis alongside pelvic position, spinal alignment, and movement.

Quick Facts About Lordosis

Category

Spinal alignment pattern.

Used for

Posture and movement assessment.

Common confusion

An inward curve is not always abnormal.

Also called

Swayback

Often discussed with

Posture Correction

Key Takeaways About Lordosis

  • Lordosis differs from kyphosis, which describes an outward spinal curve.
  • Pelvic position can change how lower-back lordosis appears.
  • Lordosis is not automatically a sign of a disorder.

How Lordosis Works

A man explains a spine model to a woman at a table with a booklet labeled "LORDOSIS"

Lordosis describes how the spine curves inward when viewed from the side. The neck and lower back normally have this shape, which helps the spine respond to movement and support the body. Posture assessment considers the curve together with the pelvis, hips, shoulders, and head.

Related glossary terms: Kyphosis, Lumbar Spine, Pelvic Tilt.

A posture check may include standing observation, movement tasks, and gentle review of spinal motion. Pelvic tilt can make the lower-back curve appear more pronounced or flatter. The assessment also considers muscle tension, joint motion, and how a person holds the body during ordinary activities. Lumbar spine alignment is especially relevant when discussing lower-back lordosis.

A doctor’s hands adjust a spine model beside a skull, X-ray films, and the word “LORDOSIS” on a desk

From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City team

When we assess lordosis during Posture Correction, we observe spinal alignment while you stand and move. We also consider pelvic position, hip motion, and muscle balance so the visible curve is understood within the person’s overall posture. Our team records practical movement findings instead of relying on appearance alone.

Lordosis in Practice: A Real-World Example

A person who sits for long periods may show an increased lower-back curve with the pelvis tipped forward. During Posture Correction, the assessment may compare that standing posture with walking, bending, and other ordinary movements.

Related Terms

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is an outward curve of the upper spine that gives the back a rounded appearance…

Lumbar Spine

Lumbar Spine is the lower section of the vertebral column between the thoracic spine and pelvis…

Pelvic Tilt

Pelvic Tilt is a change in the position of the pelvis that shifts its front edge…

Forward Head Posture

Forward Head Posture is a postural alignment pattern in which the head rests in front of…

Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City

Have Questions About Lordosis?

Contact Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City for practical guidance on Lordosis and related chiropractor work in Garden City.

The health and wellness information on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult a qualified licensed provider in Garden City, GA, United States about your specific condition before making care decisions. Individual results vary.

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