Why spine is curved

As you get older, your bones undergo degenerative changes that are part of the natural aging process. When joints deteriorate, arthritis can develop and the spinal column can shift sideways. Other conditions that might cause degeneration include:. The aging of joints, combined with a fracture at a level above a previous fusion, can also cause a significant deformity. Simply removing material from the spine can cause a problem down the road. It may reduce or eliminate pain in the near term, but symptoms can return later because of instability of the spine.

Think of the game, Jenga. When you remove a block from the tower, other blocks can be affected. Like the Jenga tower, what goes on globally in the spinal balance and pathology is important.

Mild to moderate spinal deformity is common in older adults, but it can also affect adults in their 50s and younger. X-rays create images of the bones in your spine and show whether any of them are too close together or whether you have arthritic changes, bone spurs, fractures, or slippage of the vertebrae.

Special flexion and extension x-rays will be taken to measure misalignment of the bones and curve progression Fig. Computed Tomography CT scan is a noninvasive test that uses an x-ray beam and a computer to make 2-dimensional images of your spine. It may or may not be performed with a dye contrast agent injected into your bloodstream.

It is useful for viewing changes in bony structures. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI scan is a noninvasive test that uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to give a detailed view of the soft tissues of your spine.

Unlike an x-ray, nerves and discs are clearly visible. MRI is useful in evaluating soft-tissue damage to the ligaments and discs, and assessing spinal cord injury. Myelogram is a specialized X-ray where contrast dye is injected into the spinal canal.

A fluoroscope then records the images formed by the dye. Myelograms can show a nerve being pinched by a disc, bony overgrowth or stenosis. The dye gives a picture of the spinal canal, spinal cord, and nerves in detail. A CT scan follows the test. Treatment for mild to moderate spine deformity in adults is determined by the severity of the symptoms, not the size of the curve.

It begins with a trial period of pain management, physical therapy, and nonsurgical options. If pain is caused by inflammation of the facet joints, treatment involves facet joint therapy. If the curvature is mild, the deformity is not treated. If the curvature is severe, complex spinal surgery may be recommended. Barring serious "red flags," such as a neurologic impairment, conservative care is used for 3 to 6 months before surgery is considered.

Self care: Using correct posture and keeping your spine in alignment are the most important things you can do for your back. The lower back lumbar curve bears most of your weight, so proper alignment of this section can prevent injury to your vertebrae and discs. You may need to make adjustments to your daily standing, sitting, and sleeping habits. You may also need to learn proper ways to lift and bend. Bone density: Because good bone density reduces the risk of fractures in aging adults, you may be asked to undergo a bone-density scan to determine the strength of your bones.

If osteoporosis is detected, your risk of a fracture to your spine is increased because your bones have weakened and become more brittle. Your doctor may prescribe a medication that slows bone loss. Physical therapy : Exercise and strengthening exercises are key elements to your treatment and should become part of your life-long fitness.

Physical therapists can instruct you on proper lifting and walking techniques, and they will work with you to strengthen your back, leg, and stomach muscles. Curves of the Spine Not what you're looking for? Start New Search. About Curves of the Spine The normal spine has an S-shaped curve when viewed from the side. The spine curves in the following ways: The cervical spine curves slightly inward, sometimes described as a backward C-shape or lordotic curve The thoracic spine curves outward, forming a regular C-shape with the opening at the front—or a kyphotic curve The lumbar spine curves inward and, like the cervical spine, has a lordotic or backward C-shape The curves of the spine can be exaggerated in any plane, leading to pain, deformity and neurologic dysfunction.

All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? Want More Information? Cedars-Sinai has a range of comprehensive treatment options.

If interested Click to Learn More. In short, an idiopathic disease is one that springs up spontaneously — one for which medical science and professionals have no agreement on its origins. One of the most puzzling conditions doctors face is idiopathic scoliosis. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons , idiopathic scoliosis accounts for 80 percent of all scoliosis cases.

While it can manifest itself during early age, it typically presents in pre- or early adolescence for reasons that have yet to become clear.

Having a curved spine may be normal — and it may indicate a problem. The difference lies in the details. Read on to learn more. In normal, healthy individuals, the spine always curves. However, it occurs in a very specific way. SpineUniverse explains that this curve is normally only visible when viewed from a side aka lateral view.

The spine then typically shifts outward around the chest and hips. This outward movement is called kyphosis, and the inward movement is called lordosis. In fact, it may seem confusing to hear them referred to as normal movements of the spine, because those terms are usually used to indicate spinal pathologies — and with good reason.

Normal spinal bends can become diseases when angles grow too extreme.