Final answer:
Increasing lumbar lordosis tends to exacerbate thoracic kyphosis. The abnormal curvatures in the spine can lead to health issues and discomfort, and are examined by health professionals for treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effects of Increased Lumbar Lordosis on Thoracic Kyphosis
Lordosis, also known as swayback, involves an excessive anterior curvature of the lumbar region. This excessive curvature can be influenced by factors such as obesity or late pregnancy, leading to a shift in the body's center of gravity. As a result, there's an anterior tilt of the pelvis and a significant increase in the lumbar curve. This change in the lumbar region can subsequently influence the thoracic region, where it tends to exacerbate thoracic kyphosis, the excessive posterior curvature of the thoracic area, commonly referred to as humpback or hunchback. Particularly, as lumbar lordosis increases, it may cause a compensatory increase in thoracic kyphosis to maintain an overall balanced posture. Disorders such as osteoporosis can weaken the thoracic vertebrae, contributing to the development of kyphosis. Moreover, the excessive curvature strains the vertebral column, potentially leading to further health issues and discomfort.
Understanding the interplay between the curvatures of different regions of the vertebral column is crucial in diagnosing and treating spinal disorders. Health professionals, particularly those specializing in orthopedics and physical therapy, focus on these aspects when addressing issues related to spinal health and ergonomics.