It is most likely that this condition will be the result of genetics, and will be apparent from birth. Scoliosis can also cause some of the bones of the spine to rotate, which can make the area around the waist and the shoulders appear uneven.

This condition is characterised by a sideways curve of the spine that is often described as being an S shape. This condition can arise as the result of genetics, however, lifestyle factors that contribute to poor posture can also play a part.

This condition can make a person appear to be hunching forwards, as though they are constantly slouching. The thoracic vertebrae is near the top of the back, just under the cervical vertebrae. This condition is characterised by an exaggerated outwards curve in the thoracic vertebrae. This condition is most usually caused by poor posture, or by developmental problems during childhood or pregnancy. When a person’s spine becomes curved in this way, it can often make the glutes to appear to be more prominent, as well as creating a hollowing effect in the lumbar region. The lumbar spine is the lower region of the back. This condition is characterised by an exaggerated curvature of the lumbar spine. The following three conditions are some of the most common when it comes to exaggerated curvatures of the spine.

Carrying excess body weight can contribute to curvatures of the spine.

This is generally something that the body will rectify itself post-pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the additional strain that the weight of the baby places upon the spine, in addition to the increase in the size of the body and the relaxing of the spinal ligaments, can sometimes cause slight spinal curvatures to occur.

Scar tissue that may occur as the result of an injury could also reduce the flexibility of certain muscles.

Injuries from accidents may affect the spine, which can then lead to changes in posture.

Certain sports, such as rowing and golf, require that you position your body in a way that can be damaging to the spine over time.

If you struggle with your confidence or your self-esteem, then you may hold yourself in a way that is actually damaging to your spine! If you aren’t feeling great then it may not feel natural to stand tall with your chest open, but doing so is best for your posture.

Poor positioning whilst seated for long periods of time can cause the muscles in the upper back to stretch, and also the upper chest muscles to shorten.

If you spend a large amount of time sitting down during your day, then it is important that you do so in an optimum position.

This can then lead to a curvature of the lower spine.

High heels are a popular fashion choice, but wearing them too often can actually cause the calf muscles and the hamstrings to shorten.

As well as affecting posture, this can cause further physical health problems to present.Īlthough it’s not generally possible to prevent genetic influences in regards to this issue, there are several additional factors that can be addressed: A curvature means that an area of the spine moves out of shape in a way that is detrimental to the individual’s posture. Curvatures of the SpineĬertain genetic influences, and also various lifestyle factors, can sometimes contribute to curvatures of the spine. Although the spine is one of the strongest components of the body, it can still, of course, experience issues. The purpose of this article was to give an overview of the importance of this incredible part of the body! Today we would like to take a closer look at the spine, and in particular, some of the issues that can arise in relation to the spine.Īs we discovered last week, the spine is considered to be a part of the axial skeleton. In our blog post last week we took a look at the skeleton.

Spine curvature