National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

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Study for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Test. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Be prepared for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which of the following best describes a condition characterized by abnormal lateral curvature of the spine?

Kyphosis
Lordosis
Scoliosis
Spinal stenosis

The correct answer is: Scoliosis

The condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine is scoliosis. This condition typically manifests as a side-to-side curvature, which can vary in severity and may appear in various regions of the spine. Scoliosis often develops during growth spurts, particularly in adolescents, and can lead to postural issues and discomfort if not monitored or treated. Kyphosis refers to an excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine, creating a hunchback appearance, while lordosis signifies an excessive inward curvature of the lumbar spine, often resulting in a swayback posture. Spinal stenosis, on the other hand, involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can lead to nerve compression, but does not specifically refer to a lateral curvature. Understanding these distinctions highlights why scoliosis is specifically the correct term for the abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.