What is a lumbar lordosis and hyperlordosis?

How to improve back posture is a question we are asked frequently at Reco spinal centre in Bristol.

The team here at Reco spinal centre in Bristol, are frequently asked what good posture is. can chiropractic help my posture? is my back too curved? should I stand up straighter? So were are going to discuss lumbar lordosis, what does it mean? Our team of Bristol, chiropractic and spinal therapists discuss lumbar lordosis.

We have a natural spinal curve in our spine, as our spine is not designed to be straight when we look at it from the side. However, if this is exaggerated then it can cause lower back pain.

What region of the spine is affected by hyperlordosis?

Mainly a hyperlordosis is seen in the Lower back, called the lumbar region. This can be measured on an x-ray to see if the angle is greater than a certain angle, and can cause the joints in the low back and discs to be loaded incorrectly causing an array of pain

What is lumbar hyperlordosis?

Hyperlordosis is an exaggerated curvature of the lumbar spine (low back), sometimes this can cause lower back pain. People that are hyperlordotic will generally realise that their lower pelvis thrusts forward with their bottom sticking out.

As previously mentioned, hyperlordosis in the lumbar spine can cause lower back pain but can also affect the rest of the spine, leading to pain in other areas. This is because if one area of the spine is not functioning as well as it should, other areas may have to overcompensate as the whole body is connected. Over time the body can adapt to postural changes, therefore making the over-compensations of other areas to become automatic, to maintain a ‘normal’ posture. However, this overcompensation can result in the body maintaining a deep stage of misalignment.

How is lumbar hyperlordosis caused?

Many factors can cause lumbarhyperlordosis. However, incorrect posture is the most common

cause. When the body is in a seated position, the muscles in the lower back region can tighten too much as they try to provide stability and support for the spinal column. Over time, this pulls the spine out of alignment, resulting in increased lumbar spine curvature. Therefore, people that sit at a desk for long periods due to their job may have a higher risk of getting hyperlordosis.

How can lumbar hyperlordosis be treated?

Our Bristol chiropractic and spinal therapists team has helped many patients with lumbar hyperlordosis contributing to low back pain. Our practitioners treat our patients by performing adjustments (spinal manipulation) to reduce pain and help restore optimal mobility by prescribing chiropractic exercises for posture. If you want some advice and help with your spine, then Click here to book a consultation with one of our Bristol chiropractic and spinal therapists specialist practitioners!