Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) 2025 - Free MBLEx Practice Questions and Study Guide.

The term that describes excessive curvature of the lumbar spine is lordosis. This condition features an excessive inward curve, particularly in the lower back, and can occur due to various factors such as muscle imbalances, obesity, or as a developmental anomaly. Understanding lordosis is essential in the context of massage and bodywork, as it can impact posture and movement mechanics, potentially leading to discomfort and pain.

Osteoporosis, on the other hand, refers to a medical condition characterized by a decrease in bone density, making bones more fragile and susceptible to fractures. While it can affect the spine, it is not directly related to spinal curvature.

Scoliosis is a condition defined by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, which is different from lordosis as it affects the spine's side-to-side alignment rather than its inward curvature.

Kyphosis refers to an excessive outward curvature of the thoracic spine, leading to a hunchback appearance. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for practitioners to address and adapt treatments for individuals with various spinal curvatures adequately.