Month: August 2022

Om Physio Plus Nutrition & Yoga Therapy2022August
Lordosis
By Dr. Niraj Patel 0 Comments Exercises, Physio , , ,

What is Lordosis? Common Causes of Lordosis

Everyone’s spine curves a little in your neck, upper back, and lower back. These curves, which create your spine’s S shape, are called the lordotic (neck and lower back) and kyphotic (upper back). They help your body:

  • absorb shock
  • support the weight of the head
  • align your head over your pelvis
  • stabilize and maintain its structure
  • move and bend flexibly

Lordosis refers to your natural lordotic curve, which is normal. But if your curve arches too far inward, it’s called lordosis, or swayback. Lordosis can affect your lower back and neck. This can lead to excess pressure on the spine, causing pain and discomfort. It can affect your ability to move if it’s severe and left untreated.

Lordosis Infographics

What is Lordosis?

Lordosis is the medical name for an exaggerated inward curve of the spine, often in the neck or lower back. Lordosis usually does not cause symptoms. However, if it is severe, it can cause pain and may require surgery. Lordosis refers to an exaggerated inward curve of the spine. Some people call the condition swayback. Lordosis most often occurs in the lower back, in which case health experts refer to it as lumbar lordosis. If it occurs in the neck, the medical name for it is cervical lordosis. The spine can also curve outward, in a hump shape, and this is called kyphosis. It typically affects the middle or upper back, rather than the lower back or neck. Sometimes, having another type of spinal curve causes the body to develop lordosis to compensate for the existing imbalance.

Treatment of lordosis depends on how serious the curve is and how you got lordosis. There’s little medical concern if your lower back curve reverses itself when you bend forward. You can probably manage your condition with physical therapy and daily exercises.

But you should see a doctor if the curve remains the same when you bend forward. Read on to find out what lordosis looks like and how your doctor will diagnose for it.

Common Causes of Lordosis

Lordosis can affect people of any age. Certain conditions and factors can increase your risk for lordosis. There are various Lordosis causes but here are some of the major ones:

  • Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition in which one of the lower vertebras slips forward onto the bone below. It’s usually treated with therapy or surgery. 
  • Achondroplasia: Achondroplasia is one of the most common types of dwarfism. 
  • Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes a loss of bone density, which increases your risk of fractures. 
  • Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer that typically develops in the shinbone near the knee, the thighbone near the knee, or the upper arm bone near the shoulder. 
  • Obesity: Obesity is an epidemic in the U.S. This condition puts people at a higher risk for serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. 

Various Types of Lordosis

Lordosis in the lower back

Lordosis in the lower back, or lumbar spine, is the most common type. The easiest way to check for this condition is to lie on your back on a flat surface. You should be able to slide your hand under your lower back, with little space to spare.

Someone with lordosis will have extra space between their back and the surface. If they have an extreme curve, there’ll be a visible C-like arch when they stand. And from the side view, their abdomen and buttocks will stick out.

Cervical lordosis

In a healthy spine, your neck should look like a very wide C, with the curve pointing toward the back of your neck. Cervical lordosis is when your spine in the neck region doesn’t curve as it normally should.

This can mean:

  • There’s too much of a curve.
  • The curve is running in the wrong direction, also called reverse cervical lordosis.
  • The curve has moved to the right.
  • The curve has moved to the left.

What are the Symptoms of Lordosis?

The most common symptom of lordosis is muscle pain. When your spine curves abnormally, your muscles get pulled in different directions, causing them to tighten or spasm. If you have cervical lordosis, this pain may extend to your neck, shoulders, and upper back. You may also experience limited movement in your neck or lower back.

You can check for lordosis by lying on a flat surface and checking if there’s a lot of space between the curve of your neck and back and the floor. You may have lordosis if you can easily slide your hand through the space. There are various Lordosis symptoms, mentioned below are the major ones:

  • numbness
  • tingling
  • electric shock pains
  • weak bladder control
  • weakness
  • difficulty maintaining muscle control

These may be signs of a more serious condition such as a trapped nerve.

Exercises

A healthcare professional can help identify exercises that are safe and effective for people with lordosis. A doctor may recommend a physical therapist or trainer who specializes in these types of conditions.

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) identifies several exercises that can benefit people with abnormal spinal curvature. The ACE recommends the following exercises for people with lordosis:

  • Hip flexor stretches
  • Cat-Cow Pose
  • Supine hollowing

Treatments

If the curve in the spine is mildly exaggerated, a person may not require treatment. Often, if there is no pain, and the curve does become more pronounced, a doctor does not need to intervene. When lordosis does require treatment, the right approach depends on the cause of the curvature. For example, postural lordosis resulting from muscle weakness or overweight may improve with physical therapy and weight management. If a child has lordosis, a doctor may recommend a back brace to prevent the curve from progressing as the child grows. If lordosis causes pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil), may help.

Summary

Lordosis is an exaggerated inward curve of the spine, often in the neck or lower back. There are several causes and risk factors, including congenital conditions, uneven posture, and injuries. A doctor can often diagnose lordosis with a physical examination, and imaging scans can help. Usually, a person with mild lordosis does not need treatment, but they may benefit from physical therapy or over-the-counter medication if the curve causes pain. Severe lordosis may require surgery.

Are you looking for an expert physiotherapist in Ahmedabad? Contact Dr. Niraj Patel (Physiotherapist) to get the best treatment!

 

Buffalo Hump
By Dr. Niraj Patel 0 Comments Physio, Therapy , ,

Buffalo Hump: Causes, Treatment, and More

A deposit of fat behind and just below your neck is referred to as a hump behind your shoulders, sometimes known as a buffalo hump or a dorsocervical fat pad. It is a symptom of lipodystrophy, a condition that affects how your body produces, utilizes, and stores fat. Even though a hump on its own may not necessarily require treatment, it could be an indication of a dangerous underlying medical condition.

A doctor may investigate a hump on the back of the neck using a variety of diagnostic methods, including X-rays and physical tests.

Depending on what is generating it, a person may refer to the hump on the back of their neck as a “dowager’s hump” or a “buffalo hump.”

This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of a hump on the back of the neck.

Buffalo Hump Causes and Treatment

A hump on the back of the neck may result from a variety of causes.

Another name for a dorsocervical fat pad is a buffalo hump. A hump at the back of the neck results from an accumulation of fat between the shoulder blades.

Treatments for Cushing’s disease and HIV might result in the accumulation of fat behind the shoulders. Other potential factors include steroids, obesity, and genetics.

A doctor may change the type or amount of medication if that is what is causing the hump on the back of the neck. In order to eliminate the fatty tissue, they might potentially advise surgery.

Dowagers’ Hump Causes and Treatment

An outdated and now offensive word for when the top of the back is extremely rounded and seems to have a hump on the back of the neck is “dowagers hump.” Kyphosis and osteoporosis are diseases that can result in a bent spine.

Kyphosis: When the thoracic spine, or the spine in the middle of the chest, curves more than 50 degrees, it is said to have kyphosis. The spine should naturally curve between 20 and 45 degrees. A doctor might advise physical treatment to strengthen the spine and wearing a back brace to rectify the curve. Surgery might be the sole solution in severe cases of spine curvature.

Osteoporosis: The symptoms of osteoporosis include bone loss, an elevated risk of fracture, and a severely rounded upper back. When the weak vertebrae at the top of the spine give way, the upper back rounds, the bone mass can be increased, and fractures can be avoided with the help of medications like selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), calcitonin, and bisphosphonates.

Other factors

There are numerous other conditions other than osteoporosis and kyphosis that can develop a hump on the back of the neck. These consist of:

  • Muscle tangles: Tight, painful muscle clusters that feel like a hump on the back of the neck can develop as a result of overuse, poor posture, and a lack of muscular relaxation.
  • Carbuncles and boils: When hair follicles become infected, typically with Staphylococcus aureus germs, boils and carbuncles develop. The majority of boils eventually spontaneously rupture and heal without leaving a scar.
  • Cysts: Despite the fact that sebaceous cysts are a common misnomer for cysts, the sebaceous glands are not involved. These lumps are filled with keratin material and may take years to form.
  • Moles: Nevi is another name for moles. They might appear on the back of the neck and are frequently flat or elevated lumps. On their skin, some persons may have 10 to 40 moles.

A person should promptly consult a doctor if they observe a mole changing in color, size, or shape. Any of these alterations can be a sign of melanoma, an aggressive kind of skin cancer.

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose a hump or bump on the back of the neck, a doctor may take the following steps:

  • obtaining a thorough medical history
  • noting current medications
  • assessing suspicious moles
  • performing a physical examination of the spine
  • using X-rays to check the alignment of the vertebrae
  • performing bone density tests
  • evaluating breathing capacity
  • using an MRI scan to determine whether there is spinal cord compression
  • performing a physical exam to evaluate the condition

Moles may raise concern because melanoma may be indicated by them. People should be aware of moles that are: growing, itching, bleeding, getting darker, or altering in any other way. However, this is not frequently the case.

When To See a Doctor

People who have boils that do not go away with at-home treatment or pain in the hump on the back of the neck should see a doctor.

A person may want to focus on their posture as they get older. They should consult a doctor if they notice any spine curvature, as this could be an indication of osteoporosis.

Outlook

What creates a hump on the back of the neck has a strong bearing on how it affects a person.

By taking preventative measures, a person can limit the rate of bone loss brought on by osteoporosis and lower their risk of breaking bones. They can take actions like consuming a balanced diet and working out.

Children may experience kyphosis symptoms, and early detection and therapy can assist in straightening the spine before the patient reaches maturity.

People with skin conditions including boils, carbuncles, moles, and cysts that cause bumps on the back of the neck typically have a positive outlook. Usually, boils disappear within two to three weeks.

Prevention

By maintaining appropriate skin care and hygiene, people can avoid several causes of a hump in the back of the neck, such as boils.

For those who already have moles, wearing sunscreen with a high SPF will prevent new moles from developing and shield the skin from harmful UV rays.

To maintain strong bones, everyone should think about consuming a wholesome, balanced diet that is high in calcium and vitamin D.

Summary

A boil or other relatively mild skin problem may manifest as a hump on the back of the neck. Humps and lumps on the back of the neck can also be caused by more severe medical disorders, like osteoporosis.

A person should consult a doctor if they discover any unpleasant, expanding, or changing-shaped humps on their neck.

Are you looking for an expert Physiotherapist? Contact Dr. Niraj Patel (Physiotherapist) to get the best treatment!

By Dr. Niraj Patel 0 Comments Exercises, Physio, Therapy , , , ,

What is Kyphosis? Types and Causes of Kyphosis

Excessive forward rounding of the upper back is known as kyphosis. Kyphosis in older persons is frequently brought on by the spinal bones’ weakening, which leads to their compression or cracking. Other forms of kyphosis may manifest in children or adolescents due to spinal deformity or gradual wedging of the spinal bones. Mild kyphosis rarely results in issues. Severe kyphosis can hurt and be unsightly. The reason, severity, and age of your kyphosis will influence your treatment.

In this post, you will learn about the definition, causes, and many types of kyphosis. Continue reading to learn more.

What is Kyphosis?

A noticeable increase in the upper back’s forward curve is known as kyphosis. It’s usual to have a slight curvature. Doctors might need to step in if a person’s spine is unstable or painful due to an excessive curve.

Doctors refer to an extreme forward curve as hyperkyphosis or kyphosis. Kyphosis can be brought on by disorders associated with aging, postural imbalance, or spinal anomalies. Other than changes in the spine’s appearance, it might not cause any other symptoms.

Symptoms of Kyphosis

Mild kyphosis could not cause any apparent symptoms or indicators. A slight kyphosis occurs naturally in the upper back. Excessive curvature may cause stiffness and back pain in the individual.

A noticeable forward curve in the top section of the spine is the leading indicator of kyphosis. It makes the shoulders round forward, and the upper back appears bent over.

The extraspinal bend is barely evident in moderate cases. Other times, a person could appear to be bending forward.

Kyphosis frequently happens in the absence of other symptoms. However, additional signs can include:

  • rounded back
  • upper back stiffness
  • back pain.
  • hamstring pain

According to doctors, about 40% of patients with hyperkyphosis had vertebral fractures. Each spinal compression fracture has the potential to add 3.8 degrees to the kyphosis angle.

Types And Causes of Kyphosis

Vertebrae, the bones that make up the spine, are stacked on the other. The spine may be both supportive and flexible because of this arrangement. It also implies that the spine is susceptible to injury.

Different kinds of kyphosis exist. Depending on the type of person, many things might cause kyphosis.

The most prevalent type of kyphosis is postural kyphosis. It frequently begins in adolescence when postural imbalances such as slouching cause the muscles that surround the spine to develop differently. Slouching causes the spine’s posterior ligaments and extensor muscles to be stretched, weakening them over time. Slouching also increases the spine’s forward curvature. Because their muscles are weaker, elderly folks may also experience this.

  • Scheuermann’s kyphosis: This also tends to develop during adolescence. However, it can become more severe than postural kyphosis. Doctors do not know what causes this form of kyphosis.
  • Age-related kyphosis: This kind of kyphosis generates a curve in the spine that gradually worsens with advancing years, frequently due to ailments that affect the spine’s bones. Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition that results in weaker, less dense bones.
  • Congenital kyphosis: This condition results from the spine’s improper development before birth, which causes kyphosis at birth. With age, it can quickly get worse.

Diagnosis of Kyphosis

Kyphosis is identified via a physical examination by a physician. The doctor may evaluate a patient’s balance and range of motion by having them undertake stretches or exercises.

Another typical examination has the patient lying down while the doctor looks at their spine. If the spine straightens out, it is flexible, and postural kyphosis is more likely to cause than a structural problem with the spine. A structural form of kyphosis is most likely present if the spine continues to bend.

The doctor might suggest an X-ray or MRI scan to look at the spine’s structure if they discover signs of an inflexible curve during the examination. When things get worse, they may order other tests, such as a blood test or a lung function test.

Kyphosis Treatment

Treatment for kyphosis depends on the type of kyphosis and the severity of the curve.

Treatment for Kyphosis

Nonsurgical treatment

Nonsurgical treatment for postural kyphosis may aid in preventing the look of the curve from deteriorating. Those who have Scheuermann’s kyphosis may benefit from it as well if their spinal curve is less than 70 to 75 degrees.

Nonsurgical therapy options include:

  • Observation: A doctor may advise waiting to observe if a mild case of kyphosis progresses. If not, and the curve does not produce any further symptoms, other therapy might not be required.
  • Physical therapy: This entails targeted movements that build core and back strength and may help with posture.
  • Bracing: A doctor may advise a spinal brace in some Scheuermann’s kyphosis cases if the spine is still developing. To stop the spine from gradually curving, spinal braces support the back while it develops into a more usual position.
  • Care for underlying illnesses: Treating the underlying problem may arrest the curve’s progression in an older person with osteoporosis or another condition that is weakening or changing the form of the spine. Early osteoporosis diagnosis allows for effective treatment. They might suggest weight-bearing exercises, vitamin D supplements, or hormone therapy for females.

NSAIDs, also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, can aid with kyphosis-related pain relief.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be beneficial for people with congenital kyphosis or severe Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Surgery aims to lessen the spine’s curve and any accompanying symptoms, such as discomfort.

Depending on the circumstances, a person may undergo different process types of kyphosis. Spinal fusion surgery is a regular procedure. To create a single bone section, many vertebrae are joined together by welding.

Rods, metal screws, and plates are inserted into the spine during additional surgical procedures for severe kyphosis. This aids in spine stabilization and raises the rate of bone transplant fusion. It may lessen the upper spine’s curvature.

Since these are extensive surgeries, doctors often explore nonsurgical solutions first, wherever practical.

Complications From Kyphosis

In more severe cases, kyphosis complications can develop. These consist of:

  • A spinal curvature that cannot be corrected
  • ongoing back discomfort
  • issues with the heart or the lungs
  • Poorer living quality

Additionally, kyphosis can pinch or compress the spinal cord, harming the nerves that feed the legs and lower body. It may result in issues with balance, loss of bladder control, numbness or paralysis in the arms and legs, and more.

If a person with a spinal curve experiences these symptoms, they need to get help right away. A doctor could suggest surgery to unclog the spinal column.

There is a chance of problems after surgery to address kyphosis, such as postoperative infections and bleeding near the surgical site.

When to See a Doctor

If you observe an increasing curve in your upper back or your child’s spine, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Are you looking for an expert Physiotherapist? Contact Dr. Niraj Patel (Physiotherapist) to get the best treatment!

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