Lumbar lordosis

The spine is made up of small 'stacked' bones called the vertebrae. These bones are arranged in three natural curves that are necessary to keep your body supported. Strong, flexible muscles help maintain these curves.

In a healthy spine, the three curves are:

• cervical, the curve inwards at your neck

• thoracic, the curve outwards in the middle and

• lumbar, the curve in the low back

When looking at a person from the side with most of their clothes off, these natural curves can be seen. When the low back curves too far in, a person looks "swaybacked." This condition is called lumbar lordosis.

Too much of a curve in the low back puts pressure on the entire back. This can lead to pain and poor movement. Good posture is necessary to keep the curves in their proper positions. Strong, flexible muscles help maintain these curves. Weak and stretched out muscles cannot give our spine adequate support for good posture. Practice good posture while standing and especially while sitting.

Use these tips to help start new habits:

• When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor. Adjust your chair, or add a small wedge to sit on so your hips are slightly higher than your knees. Support the lower curve in your back with a pillow. Too much or too little of a curve can cause problems.

• When standing, rest one leg higher on a step to help support the low back.

• Do not lock your knees straight when standing.

• If you sleep on your stomach, place a flat pillow under you belly. It is better to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees.

• Wear shoes that provide good support. If the heels of your shoes are too high, your posture will tend to fail.

• Keep your belly (abdominal) and buttock muscles strong and firm. These are the most important low back muscles.

If you have persistent or frequent back pain, see your healthcare provider.

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