Help! Lordosis???

[always smilin']

hi! I'm probably overreacting totally but my hubby and I have noticed that my sons buttocks stick out quite a bit - more than what I would perceive as normal. He's been in to see his pediatrician who poo poos it and says it's nothing. I have a history of scoliosis (with some MAJOR curves) so we've always been extra careful to make sure our kids backs have been checked annually. In searching the internet tonight (for my own health issues) I stumbled across an article on Lordosis and totally freaked (thinking that it described my son).

Does anyone know anything more about lordosis? He doesn't complain of back pain or anything so should I worry about it? He does complain that he has a "big butt" and I understand his concern cosmetically (although I think he is beautiful - of course)

any ideas would be appreciated.
always smilin' (unless my kids health is at stake!)

[LindaRacine]

Hi Smilin'....

As far as I know, the only way to diagnose abnormal lordosis is with an x-ray. I think it's a relatively unusual condition. If you have a scoliosis specialist that you've seen, perhaps it would be wise to make an appointment with him/her. It might not be anything, but it will probably drive you nuts until you find out for sure.

Regards,
Linda

[augemac]

I was curious what lordosis was?? So, I looked it up online because my son also has curved shoulders and buttocks that stick out with a big inward curve on his lower back. I read that it may not be serious but also living with socliosis myself it scares me to think of my own kids going through anything.

Curious to see if I also should get him check out? When you take your kids do be checked out yearly does the pediatrician do the test where they bend forward to touch their toes?

[always smilin']

yes, the ped has the kids lean over. (I also check them at home once in a while - a bit overprotective I say).

I will talk to my specialist re: lordosis. I have an appt on Oct. 6. Curious to see if my own curve has gotten worse - I have a feeling it has but time will tell...

Surely hope it is nothing for my son - but will make an appt just in case. (You're right Linda - it will probably drive me nuts unless I find out for sure.)

Thanks for responding
Always Smilin

[augemac]

What is your history with your own scoliosis? If you don't mind me asking. I also am feeling like my scoliosis is on the move again. I don't want to go to the dr. until I can't stand the pain no more. I have 2 fusions and i am not as young as I was. lol

Did you find any research for lordiosis? I never even heard of it until I was reading on this forum.

[always smilin']

Silly me - I always have to look up my history - I NEVER remember. Must be a purposeful forgetfulness. Here goes:
surgery 1982 - fused T2-L1
pre op 45 (left thoracic) post op 33
pre op 53 (right thoracic) post op 18

recheck 2006 - right thoracic 57
lower lumbar 34

So, yepper, my curve is MUCH worse than in 1982. But from 2006-2007 there was no change. So, I'll have to see now if it's changed. I feel like it's worsened in the last year. Pretty soon I'll probably look like a pretzel! (My parents HATE when I joke about it - but it's my way of dealing with it

Hope all goes well with you and thanks for the responses. I PRAY my kids NEVER go through what I have! As far as lordosis - I've read a little bit online - my hubby thinks I'm just over reacting - and he's VERY protective of our kids - so I probably am over reacting.

Always Smilin' (at least on the outside

[txmarinemom]

Hi Smilin'....

As far as I know, the only way to diagnose abnormal lordosis is with an x-ray. I think it's a relatively unusual condition. If you have a scoliosis specialist that you've seen, perhaps it would be wise to make an appointment with him/her. It might not be anything, but it will probably drive you nuts until you find out for sure.

Smilin', Linda's right that only sagittal x-rays will truly diagnose excessive lordosis, it is VERY important for your son to keep his hamstrings stretched with any "swayback" type traits (lordosis or not).

The lumbar area - and pain from lumbar muscles that are contracted - can be helped tremendously by working the hams. Most forms of martial arts and yoga are helpful for this. Of course, check with his doctor.

The longer he waits to address the tightness, the more likely it is to cause issues in later life.

Best of luck.

Regards,
Pam

[always smilin']

Thanks for the advice. He is very active with football, basketball, swimming, etc. so I don't worry about his activity level. I haven't brought him in to get checked. I just had my visit with the doctor and think I chickened out as I don't even want to think that he might go through similar stuff. I'll keep an eye on him and bring it up with his ped next time he's in.

Thanks again
Alway's Smilin'

[augemac]

I took my 13 year old son to a orthopedic dr. here locally that deals with the spine. It was on the 7th of Oct. and I would have to say I was nervous and not sure what to think. My son was quite excited to get a x ray done. He wasn't scare or nervous, which me made me laugh!! Got to love kids!

Anyways I was nervous. Well what I discovered was that he doesn't have lordosis just a healthy butt, LOL. But they did have a slight concern about kypnosis and he has a small thoracic curve but it was less then 2 degrees so that doesn't concern me much.

But I found out that day that my dad had the same degrees and kypnosis curve as my son. And I would have to say I didn't really notice it and he has no butt!! LOL My own father told me not to worry. So for now I am not going to worry. My son is very athletic and involved with sports. His lasted sport is going to be wrestling. Which i am concern but I want him to live and enjoy. When I was in school I was pulled out of gym and all physical activities. Because of my fast progressing curve the dr's asked for me not to be in any activities, gym, sports, etc. Let me tell you I hated that. But I see now that many are active and I like that.

Well I am rambling. If you have a concern just have them get a x ray because looking at my son I couldn't even see what the dr saw. I thought lordosis but nope. Until you get it done it might bother you.

[always smilin']

We sure do know each other don't we - at least as far as worrying about our kids. I'm so happy to hear that your son is A-OK - and 2 degrees does seem so minor. (Actually, I'm surprised they'd even bring up a 2 degree curve?) Anyway - I'm glad all is well - and I'm sure I will follow through with my son next time he sees his ped.

On another note, I'm sorry to hear that your activity level was limited. I was fortunate that neither my parents nor my doctor stopped my activity - rather encouraged it. I'm slowing down and becoming much more clutzy these days (especially in the arms/hands) so am grateful for my active lifestyle when I was younger...never know how long this body will work for!

Thanks
Always Smilin'

[augemac]

always smilin'

Actually I missed quoted the dr. about the degree. He told us it is definitely under 5 but it could be a actual curve or just the way he is standing or just nothing!!

Take care!!