Editing Swayback

{{Short description|Abnormal spinal alignment}}
{{wikt | swayback}}
'''Swayback''', also known clinically as [[lordosis]],<ref name="K.E.R">
{{cite web|url= https://ker.com/equinews/genetics-swayback-investigated-saddlebred-horses/|title= Genetics of Swayback Investigated in Saddlebred Horses|last= Kentucky Equine Research Staff|date= 5 May 2011|website= ker.com|publisher= Kentucky Equine Research Center |access-date= 28 August 2020}}</ref> refers to abnormally bent postures in the [[spine (anatomy) | back]]s of humans and of quadrupeds, especially [[horse]]s. Extreme lordosis can cause physical damage to the [[spinal cord]] and associated ligaments and tendons<ref name="K.E.R"/> which can lead to severe pain. In horses, moderate lordosis does not generally impact an animal's usefulness and does not necessarily cause lameness.<ref name="K.E.R"/>

==Humans==
Swayback posture in humans is characterised by the posterior displacement of the rib cage in comparison to the pelvis. It looks like the person has a hyperextension of the lower back, however this is not necessarily the case. Most sway-back exhibits a posteriorly tilted pelvis; the lumbar region is usually flat (too flexed) and not [[Lumbar hyperlordosis|hyperlordotic]] (too extended).<ref>{{cite web|title=Sway back posture|url=http://www.lower-back-pain-management.com/sway_back_posture.html|website=lower-back-pain-management.com/|accessdate=17 August 2014|archive-date=2 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902121131/http://www.lower-back-pain-management.com/sway_back_posture.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Cressey|first1=Eric|title=Strategies for Correcting Bad Posture – Part 4|url=http://www.ericcressey.com/strategies-for-correcting-bad-posture-part-4|website=EricCressey.com|date=9 December 2010 |accessdate=17 August 2014}}</ref>

==Horses==
[[File:Swayback3.jpg|thumb|A horse with significant swayback]]
Usually called "swayback", soft back, or low back, an excessive downward bend in the [[back (horse)|back]] is an undesirable [[equine conformation|conformation]] trait. Swayback is caused in part from a loss of muscle tone in both the back and abdominal muscles, plus a weakening and stretching of the ligaments. As in humans, it may be influenced by bearing young; it is sometimes seen in a [[broodmare]] that has had multiple foals.  However, it is also common in older horses whose age leads to loss of muscle tone and stretched ligaments. It also occurs due to overuse or injury to the muscles and ligaments from excess work or loads, or from premature [[working animal|work]] placed upon an immature animal. Equines with too long a [[back (horse)|back]] are more prone to the condition than those with a short back, but as a longer back is also linked to smoother [[horse gait|gaits]], the trait is sometimes encouraged by [[selective breeding]].  It has been found to have a hereditary basis in the [[American Saddlebred]] breed, transmitted via a [[Dominance relationship|recessive gene]].<ref name="K.E.R"/> Research into the genetics underlying the condition has several values beyond just the Saddlebred breed as it may "serve as a model for investigating congenital skeletal deformities in horses and other species."<ref>[http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=17422 Oke, Stacey. "Genetics of Swayback in Saddlebred Horses Examined"  ''The Horse'' online edition, December 20, 2010. Accessed December 21, 2010]</ref><!--cite covers hereditary piece-->

==Small ruminants==
In small ruminants (sheep, goats, deers), ''swayback'' is the common term for the [[enzootic ataxia]], a disease in young animals due to copper deficiency in fetal and early postnatal development.

==See also==
* [[Spinal posture]]
* [[Spinal disease#Scoliosis|Scoliosis]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Deforming dorsopathies]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders of musculoskeletal system]]
[[Category:Horse diseases]]