What Are the Causes of Curvature of the Spine?

Spine curvature can refer to two distinct conditions. There is the normal curve of the human spine, but more commonly spinal curvature refers to abnormalities from the standard curve of the spine. There are several causes for these abnormalities.

Normal Spinal Curvature

• The spine has a normal concave-to-convex-to-concave curvature. It begins as concave in the upper cervical area, convexes in the thoracic area, then returns to concave in the lower lumbar area before ending at the pelvis.

Lordosis Curvature

• This curvature consists of an inversion of the normal spinal curve. The cervical and lumbar area of the back are convexed while the middle concaves. This is almost exclusively caused by congenital defect or degeneration.

Kyphosis Curvature

• This curve is known as "humpback." It is caused where the mid-back to upper back is bent forward more than normal, creating the hump. It can either be caused from a birth defect or due to fractures of these areas of the spine.

Scoliosis

• Scoliosis is where the spine is bent side-to-side rather than in or out like the above two conditions. It has a host of possible causes, including birth defects, injury fractures, spinal infections and more.

Osteoporosis Caused Curve

• Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bones to become weakened. Weakened vertebrae in the spine can collapse, causing the spine to curve. Hormonal imbalances and lack of exercise are the two main causes of osteoporosis.