What's the best way to treat lordosis (lower back pain, tilted pelvis)?

Question

I would like to try to sort out my back problem before I get older and the problem gets worse (I'm a 35yr old female). I haven't been diagnosed with having lordosis, but it's quite obvious to me to see and feel that my pelvis is tilted and my spine is far too curved.

I'm wondering what would be the best way to treat this.

I would like to see a chiropracter and get an xray and get assessed. The only reason I haven't been to see one yet is because I don't want to be going a few times a week, longterm as I can't afford it. Does anyone have any experience of getting it treated with a chiropracter, like how long would it usually take to get my pelvis/spine back into position. I know everyone is different, but if anyone has a rough idea then it would help me.

Doing weights for stomach, back, legs - would this help in any way. Would yoga make any difference?

I don't do any exercise, and I sit all day in work which I'd imagine doesn't help any.

I went to my GP once as my back was really stiff at the time. If I bent over for about 10 mins (washing my hair over the bath) I found it really difficult to get back up again. Luckily my new bed has helped and I'm not so stiff anymore, but the only thing the doctor did was to give me a No for a physiotherapist. I've heard that there's not really much that they can do, has anyone had any luck using them?

Answer 1

It is a good thing to want to work this out now before any further problems develop.  A lordotic curve is a bending of the spine inwards.  This places increased levels of stress upon the facet joints of the vertebrae.  These joints are the guides of the vertebrae in what movements can occur and how much movement is going to be allowed.  The lordosis causes a premature degeneration to occur there.  The whole issue is based upon poor posture and that must be addressed.  You will have tight and weak hip flexors, hamstrings, abdominals, and gluteals.  All of these need to be corrected to make any permanent changes in posture.  Yoga and Pilate's are good at this but are going to take a long time to effect.  The referral that was given to you for physical therapy was appropriate.  They will do an assessment of the posture, flexibility, muscular strength, and a neurological exam.  From this information a plan will be developed as to what to do about this issue.  The most important thing that you have to do is follow the home program that will be given to you.  Stretching alone is not the answer for it doesn't address the basic underlying weakness that the muscles have.  The primary focus of the program is going to be around the strengthening of the transverse abdominal muscle.  That is the stabilizing force of the pelvic girdle and will help to bring the pelvis into a neutral posture.  The other muscles that attach to the pelvis are also going to have to be strengthened.  As they get stronger they will become longer and more flexible.  At this time avoid walking in high heels or any other activity that increases this curve.  Try the therapy and I feel you will be pleasantly surprised.

Answer 2

yoga, pilates would help.

ask for more advice:

http://www.backshowexpo.co.uk/backshow08...

persistent is the key!! try these health sandals and wear them 10 mins everyday and see any progress.

http://www.healthy-step.com

Answer 3

Do you mean scoliosis or lordosis ?

Actually whichever---- I would only see a chiropractor.

Answer 4

Hi,

Firstly, just to set you straight (no pun intended) on your question... a lumbar lordosis is totally normal, the lumbar lordosis is the normal curve in the low back. I think you are worried that your lumber spine is hyperlordotic, meaning that the curve is too big, so you have increased loading of the joints at the back of your spine (as described perfectly by the physio in the post above).

My advice would be to just go for one session with a Chiropractor to get a proper diagnosis and some advice on what to do, you do not have to sign up to a treatment plan. I can't advise how long your condition would take to treat without knowing more but a chiropractor will be able to estimate how many sessions will be required after your first visit, then you can decide whether you want to continue.

I am always recommending pilates to patients as it is very effective at strengthening your core muscles which support the spine. If your G.P. has refered you to a Physio why not go? They will be able to diagnose you and give you some good advice.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Pilate's exercise is the best route. I went to Pilate's due to back pain and was told 'You have a flat back?' Meant zero to me until I was shown how my back should be and how mine is. Came as a shock. Anyway I attended Pilate's with a Physiotherapist one hour per week for nine months and the difference was unbelievable. I did not know at that time that I also had a prolapse disc, but it did not matter, I enjoyed Pilate's too much. Now I do the exercise at home one hour per week, just to keep my muscle tone and posture. Best of Luck