Lordosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Lordosis?
A primary care doctor, or a pediatrician (a doctor for children), can check a curve in the lower back. If more tests or treatment are needed, you may be sent to an orthopedic doctor, a doctor who treats bone and spine problems. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is lordosis?
Lordosis is the inward curve of the lumbar spine. The lumbar spine is the lower part of the back, just above the buttocks. A small degree of lordosis is normal. Too much curving is called swayback.
Doctors also call it an arched back. Too much curve in the lower back gives it a swayback look. The information here covers lordosis of the lower back, the type described by the sources.
Symptoms
Lordosis tends to make the buttocks look more prominent. Children with too much lordosis have a large space underneath the lower back when they lie face up on a hard surface.
Some children have a marked lordosis that most often fixes itself as the child grows. This is called benign juvenile lordosis.
Causes and who gets it
Spondylolisthesis may cause lordosis. In this condition, a bone in the spine slips out of the proper position onto the bone below it. A bone in the spine is called a vertebra. You may be born with spondylolisthesis. It can also develop after certain sports, such as gymnastics. It may develop along with arthritis in the spine.
Much less common causes in children include:
- Achondroplasia, a disorder of bone growth that causes the most common type of dwarfism
- Muscular dystrophy
- Other genetic conditions
How doctors diagnose it
The provider will do a physical exam. To look at the spine, your child may have to bend forward, bend to the side, and lie flat on a table.
A flexible curve reverses itself when the child bends forward. A flexible curve is generally not a concern. If the curve does not move, medical evaluation and treatment are needed.
Other tests may be needed, especially if the curve seems fixed, which means it does not bend. These may include:
- An x-ray of the lower spine
- An MRI of the spine
- Laboratory tests
- Other tests to check for disorders that could be causing the condition
Treatment
Most of the time, lordosis is not treated if the back is flexible. It is not likely to progress or cause problems.
If the curve does not move, medical evaluation and treatment are needed. The provider may order other tests to check for a disorder that is causing the curve.
When to see a doctor
Contact your child's health care provider if you notice that your child has an exaggerated posture or a curve in the back. The provider must check to see if there is a medical problem.
A curve that does not move when your child bends forward needs medical evaluation and treatment.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine your child's back and order first tests such as an x-ray. They can also refer you to a specialist if the curve does not move.
Common questions
Is some lordosis normal?
Yes. A small degree of lordosis is normal. Too much curving in the lower back is called swayback.
Is swayback the same as lordosis?
Swayback is the name for too much lordosis. Lordosis is the inward curve of the lumbar spine, and too much curving is called swayback.
Does lordosis in children go away on its own?
Sometimes. Some children have a marked lordosis that most often fixes itself as the child grows. This is called benign juvenile lordosis.
Does lordosis always need treatment?
No. Most of the time, lordosis is not treated if the back is flexible. It is not likely to progress or cause problems.
What tests check for lordosis problems?
The first check is a physical exam by the provider. If the curve seems fixed, tests may include an x-ray of the lower spine, an MRI, and laboratory tests.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Lordosis - lumbar (Medical Encyclopedia)
- MedlinePlus - Lordosis (Medical Encyclopedia Image)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
