National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) Practice Exam

Infants are typically born with a primary curvature characterized as kyphotic. This curvature is present in the thoracic and sacral regions of the spine, giving it a C-shaped appearance. This natural curve is crucial for accommodating the baby's positioning in the womb and facilitates initial movements after birth. As infants grow and develop, they gradually adopt secondary curves, such as the lordotic curve in the cervical and lumbar regions, which emerge as they learn to lift their heads, sit, and eventually walk. Understanding this primary curvature is vital for anyone studying human development in relation to massage therapy and anatomy, as it affects how we approach practices aimed at supporting infants' physical health.