Pediatric lordosis (sway back)
Lordosis, sometimes called swayback, is a type of spinal curve that makes your child’s buttocks stick out.
What is pediatric lordosis (sway back)?
If your child has lordosis, or swayback, you may notice that their lower back and buttocks stick out more than others. In a normal spine, there is a slight inward curve. Lordosis is a condition in which the inward spinal curve is extreme.
The exaggerated curve of the vertebrae (back bones) in the lower back can be seen from the side. Your child’s abdomen may stick out, causing the pelvis to curve back and the buttocks to stick out.
Risk factors
If your child has a neuromuscular condition, such as cerebral palsy (CP), muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy, they are more likely to have lordosis.
What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric lordosis (sway back)?
The symptoms of lordosis may include:
Buttocks that seems to stick out excessively
Muscle pain or spasms in the lower back due to the position of the spine
What are the causes of pediatric lordosis (sway back)?
There are several reasons a child may have lordosis, including:
Bad posture
Congenital (present at birth)
Genetics (inherited from a parent)
Pelvis or hip injury or condition
Previous spine surgery
Spondylolisthesis or another spine disorder
Traumatic injury to the spine
Pediatric lordosis (sway back) doctors and providers
- Christopher Redman, MDOrthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon
- Brian Gutknecht, PA-CPhysician Assistant - Orthopedics