lumbar curve

anatomy

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June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

The lumbar curve refers to an increased inward curvature in the lower back region of the vertebral column, also known as lordosis. This is one of several deviations from the normal spinal curvature, which also include scoliosis (sideways curvature) and kyphosis (outward curvature).1

The vertebral column, or spine, is made up of bones called vertebrae and protects the spinal cord. In humans, it has distinct regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (chest), lumbar (lower back), sacral (pelvic), and caudal (tailbone). The lumbar curve is one of the curves that develops in humans as they learn to sit and walk, helping to support body weight. Conditions like obesity or inflammation of the intervertebral disk can be associated with lordosis.21

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vertebral column
…is raised, and (3) a lumbar curve, also anterior, which develops as the child sits and walks. The lumbar curve is a permanent characteristic only of humans and their bipedal forebears, though a temporary lumbar curve appears in other primates in the sitting position. The cervical curve disappears in humans…
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…is raised, and (3) a lumbar curve, also anterior, which develops as the child sits and walks. The lumbar curve is a permanent characteristic only of humans and their bipedal forebears, though a temporary lumbar curve appears in other primates in the sitting position. The cervical curve disappears in humans…
Read More