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Very often, back pain results from a weakening of the back and abdominal muscles, causing the normal curvature of the lumbar spine to increase or decrease. This commonly occurs after childbirth or with a sedentary lifestyle, obesity or habitual poor posture.

One outcome is a condition called lordosis, or swayback, an abnormal forward curvature of the lower spine that causes the top of the pelvis to tip forward and a protuberance of the buttocks and abdomen.

This increased curvature places additional pressure on the muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments and cartilage that support the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spinal column.

Poor posture is both a cause and a consequence of lordosis The swayback posture overloads ligaments and muscles around the back and excessively stretches abdominal muscles.

Low back muscles become tighter and more likely to be weak and easily strained. Hamstrings are tight and limit back flexibility. Lordosis also contributes to an imbalance of the muscles that attach at the pelvis, which help maintain a "neutral" or properly aligned pelvis.

Weak abdominal muscles complete the picture. They are unable to contract to protect the back; strong abdominals will help hold the torso upright and evenly distribute pressure during lifting.

Weak abdominals load small intervertebral joints unevenly, and osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) can develop as a result. The back muscles are also unbalanced and underdeveloped and do not allow proper movement to take place.

In addition, poor posture and weak abdominals can cause the lower portion of the pelvis to tip forward and the tailbone to push forward, resulting in a slumped posture.

Next, we will discuss some of the anatomical canges that cause the pain and how you can prevent them.

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Table of Contents

Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine

General Health
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Common Medical Problems
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