Spinal curvature refers to abnormalities in the natural alignment of the spine. In a healthy adult, the spine has characteristic curves:
Cervical lordosis – a forward curve in the neck area
Thoracic kyphosis – a backward curve in the upper back
Lumbar lordosis – another forward curve in the lower back
Sacral kyphosis – a backward curve at the base of the spine
These curves form during childhood and are part of normal development. A healthy spine should not have any side-to-side (lateral) curvature.
Spinal deformities may occur due to congenital skeletal malformations, such as wedge-shaped or extra vertebrae, improper formation of the fifth lumbar vertebra or ribs, etc. These are referred to as congenital spinal deformities.
Deformities can also develop due to certain illnesses such as rickets, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, or due to spinal injuries like fractures. Other contributing factors include poor posture, uneven leg length, or conditions that affect skeletal alignment.
At a later age, after the skeletal system has fully developed, spinal curvatures may arise in individuals whose work requires prolonged static postures — such as office workers, violinists, cobblers, and others. The muscular system plays a significant role in the progression of these deformities. As the spinal deformation progresses, it disrupts the balanced pull of the muscles surrounding the spine, further exacerbating the curvature.