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Spinal Curves

By , About.com Guide

Updated May 25, 2005

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How Spinal Curves Form

Humans are born with one spinal curve, (a kyphosis).

Outside the womb, the emotional expression made by the baby (i.e. kicking and crying) forms the lumbar curve (a lordosis). The presence of the head, which places a load on the top of the spine develops the cervical curve (another lordosis).

Over time, as the baby’s movement repertoire grows, the baby develops muscular control over the lumbar and cervical curves, and the curves stabilize.1



Bibliography
1. From M.E. Todd, The Thinking Body, 120-129.

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