Spinal Curvatures

Normal Spinal Curvature S-shaped structure prevent shock to the head when we walk or run. S-shaped structure prevent shock to the head when we walk or run.

Primary Curvature Curvatures in the thoracic and sacral regions. Curvatures in the thoracic and sacral regions. Present when we are born. Present when we are born.

Secondary Curvatures Occurs as we grow. Occurs as we grow. Cervical curvature appears when a baby begins to raise its head. Cervical curvature appears when a baby begins to raise its head. Lumbar curvature develops when the baby begins to walk. Lumbar curvature develops when the baby begins to walk.

Abnormal Spinal Curvature May be congenital (present at birth). May be congenital (present at birth). Disease Disease Poor posture Poor posture Unequal muscle pull on the spine Unequal muscle pull on the spine

Scoliosis Scoliosis is an unhealthy curvat ure of a normally straight spine. Scoliosis is an unhealthy curvat ure of a normally straight spine.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis X-rays

Scoliosis

Kyphosis Kyphosis is a spinal curve that results in an abnormally rounded back. Kyphosis is a spinal curve that results in an abnormally rounded back. “Roundback” “Roundback”

Postural Kyphosis

Congenital Kyphosis The spinal column does not develop properly while the fetus is still in the womb. The spinal column does not develop properly while the fetus is still in the womb. The bones may not form as they should. The bones may not form as they should. Several vertebrae may be fused together. Several vertebrae may be fused together.

Kyphosis X-ray

Lordosis Abnormal lumbar curvature Abnormal lumbar curvature “Swayback” “Swayback”

Lordosis

Severe Lordosis