Lordosis

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 2 Aug 2021

Lordosis (plural: lordoses) is the term used to refer to the normal anterior curvature of the cervical and lumbar spines when viewed from the side (concavity at the posterior aspect of the spine (cf kyphosis). Lordosis cervicis and lordosis lumbalis are the respective Terminologia Anatomica terms.

However lordosis (also known as hyperlordosis) is also used to refer to abnormal inward curvature of the spine, i.e. excessive lordosis.

History and etymology

Lordosis is from the Ancient Greek λορδως lordos meaning 'bent back'.
Historically, terms such as saddle back, hollow back and swayback have been used to describe hyperlordosis.

See also

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.