Which term describes excessive inward curvature of the lumbar spine?

• A. Lordosis
• B. Kyphosis
• C. Scoliosis
• D. Spondylosis

Answer: (A)

Excessive inward curvature of the lumbar spine is called lumbar lordosis. The lower back normally has a gentle inward curve, but when that curve becomes exaggerated it’s described as hyperlordosis. This contrasts with kyphosis, which is an outward rounding of the thoracic spine; scoliosis, a sideways (lateral) curvature; and spondylosis, degenerative changes in the spine. In practice, hyperlordosis can relate to posture and muscle balance, and recognizing it helps guide appropriate conditioning or corrective exercises.