The human spine is a complex structure, essential for maintaining balance and posture. Normally, the spine has several gentle front-to-back curves. The lumbar (lower) spine exhibits a lordosis, or inward curve, while the thoracic (middle) spine has a kyphosis, or outward curve, and the cervical spine (neck) possesses a lordosis. These natural curves work in harmony to keep the body’s center of gravity aligned over the hips and pelvis.
When these curves are in proper alignment, the spine, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles are balanced, with body weight evenly distributed. However, abnormal curvature in the spine can disrupt this alignment. Abnormal curvature seen from the side is known as sagittal imbalance, which includes conditions like kyphosis, flatback syndrome, and chin-on-chest syndrome. Conversely, abnormal curvature seen from the back is referred to as scoliosis.
In adults, the most common symptom of scoliosis is pain, often accompanied by a visible bulge on the back at the site of this pain. In addition to physical discomfort, scoliosis can lead to a range of other issues. Neck or back pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, hand, leg, or foot may indicate radiculopathy. Other concerning symptoms include neck or back pain accompanied by fever, worsening pain during the night, unexplained weight loss, and persistent pain lasting several weeks or months.
A normally aligned spine will have lordosis in the lumbar and cervical regions, and kyphosis in the thoracic region. These natural curves usually measure between 20 to 50 degrees in each region. When these curves become more pronounced, leading to an abnormally convex shape, conditions such as kyphosis can develop. Deformity in the spinal column, whether due to bending or rotation, can occur in both adults and children. For example, the natural curve of kyphosis in a typical upper spine may measure between 20 and 40 degrees, and a greater degree of curvature can lead to sagittal imbalance.
For more detailed information on scoliosis in adults and related spinal conditions, please refer to these resources:
Scoliosis in Adults,
Flatback Syndrome,
Posture and Back Health,
Spinal Deformities,
Kyphosis Overview,
Anatomy of the Spine,
Condition List: Scoliosis,
Kyphosis,
Degenerative Spinal Conditions, and
Deformity Correction and Stabilization.
