The spine, also referred to as the backbone, is a group of stacked vertebral bones that protect the spinal cord and run from the base of the skull to the hips. Spinal discs cushion the spaces between the bones. The spinal cord runs through a series of holes in the 33 vertebral bones. The spine has four natural concave and convex curvatures that include the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral vertebrae. Several conditions may cause an unnatural curvature of the spine.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine commonly found in the thoracic section of the back. The spine begins to curve into a C or an S shape and tends to run in families signifying a hereditary link. The curvature of the back in scoliosis may cause uneven shoulder placement and an uneven waist and hip. Some individuals have a mild form of scoliosis and it does not cause any medical problems. The severe deformity of the spine causes a disability for other individuals. A major complication from disabling scoliosis is compressing the space in the chest without allowing adequate space for proper lung function and pain related to arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treatment for severe forms of scoliosis includes wearing a brace and surgery.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine that causes a hunchback appearance for the affected individual, according to Medline Plus. This curvature may cause roundness to the shoulders. Mild forms of kyphosis do not cause pain. Severe forms of the disorder may cause pain, fatigue and breathing difficulties. Mild kyphosis may improve with proper management of weight-bearing stress on the back. Treatment for severe forms of the condition include wearing a brace and sleeping on a hard bed, according to the Merck Manual of Health Information.
Lordosis
Lordosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve towards the body at an exaggerated rate. This curvature makes the individual appear to have a swayback. Signs of lordosis include a prominent protrusion of the buttocks. Achondroplasia---a common form of dwarfism---causes lordosis. An inflexible spine in the affected area signals a severe case of lordosis. Individuals with lordosis and a flexible spine may require no treatment beyond physical therapy. Treatment for lordosis with an inflexible spine includes using a brace and possible surgery.
