College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Which condition could cause hyperlordosis?

1. Herniated disc

2. Spondylolisthesis

3. Kyphosis

4. Osteoporosis

The correct answer is: Spondylolisthesis

Hyperlordosis refers to an excessive curvature of the lumbar spine. Spondylolisthesis, which is the forward displacement of a vertebra over another, often leads to altered postural alignment and can result in hyperlordosis. The biomechanical changes and instability caused by spondylolisthesis may lead to compensatory mechanisms in the body, where the lumbar curve expands to maintain stability and balance. This often manifests as hyperlordosis. In contrast, herniated discs typically cause localized back pain and may result in a different postural alignment, often characterized by reduced lumbar lordosis due to muscle guarding or pain. Kyphosis, which involves an exaggerated rounding of the thoracic spine, does not contribute to hyperlordosis and typically alters the overall spinal alignment in the opposite direction. Osteoporosis, while it affects bone density and strength and may lead to vertebral fractures, does not directly cause hyperlordosis but rather can contribute to a more stooped posture. Each of these conditions influences posture but in varying ways, with spondylolisthesis being particularly associated with hyperlordosis due to its impact on spinal alignment.