Lordosis refers to a backward curving of the spine. The normal spine is curved backward at the neck (cervical) and low back (lumbar). When the spine curves too far inward, the condition is called lordosis or swayback.
Kyphosis literally means hump-back and is used to describe a condition in which the spine is bent forward. Normally, the mid-back ( thoracic spine) is slightly bent. Kyphosis is a forward rounding of your upper back (thoracic spine). This can be caused by congenital or birth defects of the spine or from compression fractures such as those that may occur in osteoporosis patients.
Scoliosis literally means crookedness and is used to describe a bending of the spine to the side. There are many causes including deformities present at birth, fractures that occur from trauma or from having osteoporosis, damage from infections in the spine, or abnormal nerves or muscles.
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones gradually become weak and vulnerable to injury. The weakened vertebrae of the spine may collapse under the patient's weight or be fractured by minor injuries, including the mere force of coughing. These compression fractures result in loss of height and may distort the curvature of the spine, sometimes causing what is commonly called a dowager's hump.
As nicer weather begins to roll around, many people will be springing into action, trying to get into shape. But before you begin flexing your muscles, make sure you’re stretching them too.