PAS Postural Deviations & Pathologies 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the term for an exaggerated inward curvature of the lumbar spine?
- Lordosis (Correct answer)
- Kyphosis
- Scoliosis
- Flatback syndrome
Correct answer: Lordosis
Lordosis (hyperlordosis) refers to an exaggerated anterior curvature of the lumbar spine, increasing the inward arch of the lower back.
Question 2: Which postural deviation is characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine?
- Lordosis
- Kyphosis
- Scoliosis (Correct answer)
- Flatback syndrome
Correct answer: Scoliosis
Scoliosis is defined as a lateral (side-to-side) curvature of the spine, often accompanied by vertebral rotation.
Question 3: Forward head posture is most commonly associated with which compensatory spinal change?
- Decreased lumbar lordosis
- Increased thoracic kyphosis (Correct answer)
- Lateral pelvic tilt
- Decreased cervical lordosis
Correct answer: Increased thoracic kyphosis
Forward head posture typically accompanies increased thoracic kyphosis, as the head shifts anteriorly to compensate for the rounded upper back.
Question 4: What is 'flatback syndrome'?
- Excessive lumbar lordosis
- Reduced or absent lumbar lordosis (Correct answer)
- Excessive thoracic kyphosis
- Lateral deviation of the lumbar spine
Correct answer: Reduced or absent lumbar lordosis
Flatback syndrome is characterized by a reduced or absent lumbar lordosis, resulting in a straighter-than-normal lower back segment.
Question 5: Which postural deviation involves posterior pelvic tilt, reduced lumbar lordosis, and anterior displacement of the pelvis relative to the line of gravity?
- Anterior pelvic tilt
- Swayback posture (Correct answer)
- Kyphosis-lordosis posture
- Lateral pelvic tilt
Correct answer: Swayback posture
Swayback posture is defined by posterior pelvic tilt, reduced lumbar curve, and the pelvis shifted forward relative to the plumb line.
Question 6: A client presents with an elevated right shoulder and a dropped right hip when viewed from behind. This is most consistent with:
- Thoracic hyperkyphosis
- Functional scoliosis (Correct answer)
- Anterior pelvic tilt
- Forward head posture
Correct answer: Functional scoliosis
Asymmetrical shoulder and hip heights from the posterior view are classic signs of scoliosis; functional scoliosis often presents this way due to muscle imbalances or leg length differences.
Question 7: What degree of scoliotic Cobb angle is typically the threshold where active clinical monitoring and possible bracing begins in adolescents?
- 5–9 degrees
- 10–25 degrees (Correct answer)
- 26–40 degrees
- Over 50 degrees
Correct answer: 10–25 degrees
Curves measuring 10–25 degrees in adolescents typically require monitoring and potential bracing, representing the threshold for active clinical management.
PAS Postural Deviations & Pathologies 1
What is the term for an exaggerated inward curvature of the lumbar spine?