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Och Spine Services

Diagnosis & Treatment

Lordosis

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How is Lordosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

Lordosis is usually diagnosed with a physical examination after your provider has spoken with you about your medical history and symptoms. If needed, your doctor may use one or more tests to confirm a lordosis diagnosis, including:

  • X-ray: an x-ray can help a doctor determine the exact angle of spinal curvature present
  • CT scan: a CT scan can produce detailed images of bones and other tissues in the body
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): an MRI uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of bodily structures

How is Lordosis Treated?

Treatment

Most cases do not cause pain and do not require treatment. In cases where lordosis treatment is required, there are several options your doctor may recommend based on the severity of spinal curvature.

Nonsurgical options

  • Lifestyle changes: Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, including weight loss and exercises to help improve posture.
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy can also strengthen muscles that help support the spine.
  • Braces: A provider may recommend a brace to help straighten the spine for children and teens with lordosis.
  • Medications: They may also prescribe medications to ease pain or supplemental vitamins (like vitamin D) to help strengthen bones.

Surgery

A doctor may recommend lordosis surgery in severe cases. A spinal fusion may be necessary for patients with severe curvature, or whose lordotic curve continues to worsen over time.

FAQs

FAQs

Choosing a sleeping position that can help improve lordosis involves achieving a more neutral pelvic tilt. You can try putting a pillow or blanket under the knees in a back sleeping position, or under the hips if you sleep on your stomach.

Strengthening the muscles that support the spine, including the abdominals, glutes and hamstrings, can help improve symptoms of lordosis.

 

This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.

Evan Johnson, PT

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Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for lordosis treatment

At NewYork-Presbyterian, our team of spinal experts can recognize the signs and symptoms of lordosis and help develop a care plan customized to your situation. If you’re suffering from back pain or other symptoms that may require treatment for lordosis, make an online or in-person appointment at one of our convenient locations.