Which postural deviation poses the greatest risk of excessive pressure on intervertebral discs?

Excessive lordosis involves an exaggerated curvature of the lumbar spine, creating a pronounced inward arch. This postural deviation can lead to an imbalance in the distribution of forces throughout the spine. When the lumbar curve is excessively pronounced, it increases the mechanical load on the intervertebral discs, particularly in the lower back region. This added pressure can predispose the discs to injury or degeneration, increasing the risk of conditions such as herniation.

Moreover, excessive lordosis can alter the normal alignment of the spine, potentially leading to improper movement patterns and compensatory strains in surrounding muscles and structures. As a result, individuals with excessive lordosis may experience lower back pain and an increased risk of developing disc-related issues over time.

While other postural deviations like excessive kyphosis, scoliosis, and swayback have their own sets of complexities and can lead to various musculoskeletal problems, excessive lordosis specifically correlates with excessive pressure on the intervertebral discs due to the nature of the lumbar spine's curvature.