The spine normally has several gentle curves when viewed from the side. These curves of the spine work in harmony to keep the body’s center of gravity aligned over the pelvis. The cervical spine has a gentle lordosis (inward curve). The thoracic spine has a gentle kyphosis (outward curve). And the lumbar spine has a gentle lordosis (inward curve) again. Discuss deformities of the spine curvature, types and how they affect the body position. Define some of the surgical procedures that can correct these deficites.

A) Discuss deformities of the spine curvature, types and how they affect the body position.

A normal spine when viewed from the back should run straight down the middle of the back.

Deviation from the normal,when an abnormality of the spine sets in, this natural curvature of the spine gets misaligned or exaggerated in some areas.

There are three (3) main types of spine curvature disorders/deformities which are;

LORDOSIS; Lordosis is also known as Swayback, when someone presents with Lordosis,the spine of the Individual curves/sways significantly inward at the lower back.

Lordosis affects posture through the following ways;

-Appearance of swayback, and the buttocks being/appearing more pronounced.

-Problem with moving certain ways.

- There is a large gap between the person's lower back and the floor when the person lies down on the back especially on a hard surface and this does not change when the person bends forward.

KYPHOSIS; KYPHOSIS yet another spine curvature deformity is characterised by a spine that assumed an abnormally rounded upper back.( This curvature is more then 50 degrees). KYPHOSIS affects posture through the following ways;

-There is obvious bending forward of the head compared to the rest of the body.

-There is also a hump or curve to the upper back of the Individual.

SCOLIOSIS; In Scoliosis, another deformity of the spine curvature.

The Individual that presents with scoliosis have a curve that is sideways and goes to their spine. In scoliosis,the curve is often C shaped or S shaped.

In Scoliosis,there are;

- An uneven shoulder blades with one being higher than the other.

- There is also an uneven waist or hip.

- The Individual leans toward one side.

B) Define some of the surgical procedures that can correct these deficites.

SPINE INSTRUMENTATIONS; This involves using instruments like rods,wire and hooks to attach to the spine inorder to realign the bones of the spine and keep the bones secure.This surgery often follows a spinal fusion.

ARTIFICIAL DISC REPLACEMENT; This is when degenerated discs of the spine are surgically replaced with artificial discs.

KYPHOPLASTY; This involves surgically inserting or placing a balloon inside the affected spine area inorder to stabilize and strengthen it and also to relieve pain.