Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Excessive Lumbar Lordosis: The Swayback Posture
A certain amount of lumbar lordosis (inward curve of the lower back) is normal and desirable. Excessive lordosis -- often combined with anterior pelvic tilt -- overloads the lumbar facet joints, compresses the posterior discs and foramina, and causes chronic lower back pain. It is particularly common in people with tight hip flexors (from prolonged sitting), weak abdominals, and weak gluteal muscles.
The Anterior Pelvic Tilt Pattern
Anterior pelvic tilt -- where the front of the pelvis drops and the back rises -- increases lumbar lordosis. It is associated with: tight hip flexors (iliopsoas, rectus femoris), weak hip extensors (gluteus maximus), overactive lumbar extensors (erector spinae), and weak deep abdominals. This pattern is extremely common in office workers and sedentary individuals.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Hip Flexor Stretching
Prolonged sitting dramatically shortens the hip flexors. Daily hip flexor stretching (kneeling lunge stretch, Thomas stretch position) is essential to reduce the anterior tilt force.
Gluteal Strengthening
The gluteus maximus is the primary hip extensor and the most important muscle for correcting anterior pelvic tilt. Progressive gluteal strengthening: bridges, clamshells, Romanian deadlifts, single-leg squats.
Core Stabilisation
Deep abdominal activation (transversus abdominis) in neutral pelvis position trains the muscles that maintain neutral lumbopelvic alignment.
Postural Awareness
Learning to find and maintain neutral pelvis position during sitting, standing, and exercise. Ergonomic modifications to support neutral lumbar alignment at the desk.
Lordosis Treatment in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we correct excessive lordosis and the lower back pain it causes. Book your postural assessment today.