What typically causes lordosis?

Lordosis, commonly referred to as swayback, is characterized by an excessive curvature of the lumbar spine. The primary causes include hereditary factors and poor posture. Hereditary influences can lead to structural abnormalities or predispositions that affect spinal alignment. Additionally, poor posture, often developed over time through habits such as slouching or prolonged sitting, can cause the spine to adapt to an aberrant position, increasing the natural curve of the lumbar region.

While excessive physical activity may lead to muscle imbalances and could slightly contribute to postural changes, the direct link to lordosis is more associated with systematic issues like poor posture rather than merely the amount of physical activity or injury. Other choices, such as malnutrition or improper dieting, do not directly correlate with the development of lordosis as they do not specifically impact spinal structure and alignment in the way hereditary aspects and posture do. Thus, identifying hereditary factors and poor posture as typical causes provides a clearer understanding of the condition's origins.