Understanding Swayback Posture and Its Effects on the Body

Can chiropractic treatment alleviate pain and correct swayback posture, a postural deformity that can cause lower back pain and mobility issues, for individuals experiencing it?

Swayback Posture

Swayback posture is a common dysfunction involving the pelvis and hip joints tilted forward in front. This causes the pelvis to shift forward, which exaggerates the curves in the lower and upper back, known as lordosis and kyphosis. The pelvis may tilt backward relative to the upper half, causing the buttocks to tuck under. The pelvis coordinates the movements of the head, shoulders, and trunk with those of the feet, legs, and thighs. A neutral pelvis, the ideal position, generally supports a mild curve/normal lordosis in the lower back. The small arch helps the body balance the skeletal parts as they work together to support and move the body’s weight. When a postural deformity occurs, one or more bones may shift from their ideal position to compensate for any pain or loss of balance caused by the original deviation. This deviation can lead to muscle strain, ligament sprain, and/or pain. (Czaprowski, D. et al., 2018)

Postural Deviations

Swayback posture causes the thoracic spine to move backward and round over into kyphosis. At the same time, the pelvis is tilted forward, resulting in an exaggeration of the normal lumbar lordosis. (Czaprowski, D. et al., 2018)

• Healthcare providers, chiropractors, and physical therapists use exact measurements to define and treat postural deformities.
• A neutral pelvis is a position of balance the entire body uses to help it stay upright, move, and be pain-free.
• The ideal or neutral pelvic tilt is a 30-degree angle between the vertical and the plane that passes through the top of the sacrum and the axis of the hip joint socket in the front.
• Swayback posture causes the pelvis to tilt forward another 10 degrees.
• As a result, the spine compensates, exaggerating the curves in the lower back/lordotic curve and in the mid and upper back/kyphotic curve.
• When viewed from the side, individuals can see a backward movement of the thoracic spine.
• In front, the chest tends to sink in.

Muscle Group Imbalances

Healthcare providers look at different contributors or causes of postural deviations. Swayback can sometimes be associated with strength imbalances between muscle groups that move the hips, spine, and pelvis and hold the body upright. This includes:

• Weakened hip flexors and overly strong or tense hip extensors/the hamstrings.
• Tight upper abdominals, weak lower abdominals, and weak mid-back muscles may also contribute.
• A corrective exercise program after seeing a physical therapist will help address some or all underlying muscle imbalances.

Risk Factors

Because weight in the abdominal region pulls the pelvis forward, pregnant women and obese individuals can have an increased risk of developing a swayback posture. (Vismara, L. et al., 2010)

Symptoms

The symptoms of swayback posture often include:

• Severe lower back pain
• Difficulty sitting or standing for long periods
• Difficulty performing certain physical activities.
• Tightness in the hamstrings and hip flexors
• Tightness in the upper back muscles
• Headaches or migraines

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic adjustments are a common treatment used to correct swayback posture and can be corrected through various treatments. These include:

• Spinal adjustments: The doctor applies pressure to specific spine areas to realign them and help restore proper spinal function.
• Non-surgical decompression
• Massage therapies
• Muscle Energy Technique, or MET, improves muscle strength, flexibility, and function.
• Acupuncture
• Exercises to strengthen and stabilize the core muscles
• Lifestyle adjustments to help reduce stress on the spine
• Posture exercises
• Biomechanics training

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop a personalized care plan for each patient through an integrated approach to treating injuries and chronic pain syndromes, improving flexibility, mobility, and agility programs to relieve pain and help individuals return to optimal function. If other treatments are needed, Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and rehabilitation providers to provide the most effective treatments.

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References

Czaprowski, D., Stoliński, Ł., Tyrakowski, M., Kozinoga, M., & Kotwicki, T. (2018). Non-structural misalignments of body posture in the sagittal plane. Scoliosis and spinal disorders, 13, 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13013-018-0151-5

Vismara, L., Menegoni, F., Zaina, F., Galli, M., Negrini, S., & Capodaglio, P. (2010). Effect of obesity and low back pain on spinal mobility: a cross sectional study in women. Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation, 7, 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-0003-7-3