The healthy back is curved.  Humans need the spinal curves to help the body maintain proper balance.

• The neck (cervical) and low back (lumbar) areas have a forward curve (lordotic).
• The chest (thoracic) and hip (sacral) areas have a backward curve (kyphotic).

The bones of the back can grow or move to create an abnormal curve (deformity).  Symptoms can include an unusual posture, a prominent curve to the spine and in severe cases, loss of mobility and pain.   Abnormal curves include:

• Kyphosis – an exaggerated, rounding of the back.
• Scoliosis – a sideways curve to the spine.
• Lordosis or hyperlordosis – an excessive forward curving of the lower spine.

Deformities commonly have more than one abnormal curve and can be found in children, adolescents and adults.