Reduction of lumbar hyperlordosis in a pediatric: a Chiropractic Biophysics^® case report

[Purpose] To demonstrate the reduction of lumbar hyperlordosis, sacral base angle and anterior thoracic translation posture in an 11-year-old female. [Participant and Methods] A pediatric patient presented with lumbar hyperlordosis and underwent Chiropractic BioPhysics^® treatment protocols to reduce her spinal deformity and correlated symptoms. Symptoms included thoracolumbar, hip, knee and ankle pains and lower extremity weakness. Radiographs confirmed lumbar hyperlordosis, increased sacral base angle and a forward translated thoracic posture. Spinal traction as well as corrective exercises and spinal manipulative therapy was performed over an 11-month period. [Results] After 57 treatments, there was a 13.4° reduction in L1-L5 lordosis, an 11.8° reduction in sacral base angle and a 13.8 mm reduction in anterior thoracic translation. The improved structural changes correlated with improved symptoms. [Conclusion] Lumbar hyperlordosis can be reduced in pediatric patients presenting with hyperlordosis and associated symptomatology. Routine radiography may be warranted in the diagnosis of lumbar spine deformities in pediatrics. Further research into the non-surgical reduction of lumbar spine hyperlordosis is needed.