Causes of Lumbar Hyperlordosis

You have to be careful in order to try and prevent lumbar hyperlordosis which can lead to numerous negative consequences. Which behaviors can cause it?

Back pain can affect any person at any time. This is usually a problem that develops over time and can weaken the structures that make up the back. When this occurs, without realizing it, any movement or gesture can cause a bigger problem. In this case, we’re going to talk about lumbar hyperlordosis, which is a common problem that can have a huge impact on back health.

Lumbar hyperlordosis

First, we need to talk about what this pathology consists of. Lumbar hyperlordosis is an exaggerated curvature of the lumbar part of the spinal column. In the spinal column, there are four distinct curves that, depending on their direction, are classified as either lordosis or kyphosis. Both the cervical curvature as well as the lumbar curvature are lordosis.

These curves are normal and physiological. That means that it’s absolutely normal to have them. However, for various factors, they can become more pronounced, and that’s when problems begin to arise. The body is made to work with the curves in their natural state, and any significant change can unbalance this harmony.

Causes of lumbar hyperlordosis

What causes the lumbar curvature to increase? What factors can make a physiological curve turn into a pathological curve and damage these structures that surround it, as well as those that depend on it? Here, we’ll give you some of the principal factors:

Muscular imbalance

The spinal column isn’t an individual structure. Many different forces power off of it, in many different directions, which means that it’s important they all work in similar ways. In this case, we’ll look at the pelvis, where it connects to the lowest part of the spine.

From the frontal part of the pelvis, the abdominal musculature pulls upward and the iliac psoas pull downward. From the posterior part of the pelvis, the paravertebral musculature and the lumbar quadrates pull upward and the hamstrings pull downward.

In the case of hyperlordosis, the pelvis is inclined forward. Medically it’s said that there’s an exaggerated pelvic anteversion. This means to say one of two things: that the muscles that are pulling it forward are either too strong or that those that are pulling it backward are too weak.

Because of this, lumbar hyperlordosis can be caused by shortening in the iliac psoas or by the weakness in the abdominal musculature. Of course, it could also be caused by both. Another possibility is that the hamstrings are weak or the paravertebral musculature is short.

In this sense, a sedentary lifestyle in which you spend many hours seated is dangerous. This habit can weaken the abdominal musculature and cause the psoas to be continually shortened, which leads us to the second cause of this pathology: poor posture.

Lumbar hyperlordosis and poor posture

Having good postural hygiene is key to maintaining all of the curves of the spinal column in the right places. The clearest example, as we’ve seen, is spending many hours seated.

The hips are always flexed and usually cause the spine to become rounded. This weakens the paravertebral musculature, shortens the psoas, and keeps your abdominal muscles inactive.

On the other hand, if you keep your back straight while walking (sticking out your chest, pulling in your abs, and looking forward) this can also lead to abdominal weakening, among other things. In a similar situation, by incorrectly lifting weights, the lumbar area will be the area that suffers most.

That’s why it’s important to know how to sit correctly, walk correctly, and safely lift weights. Having a good posture and not living a sedentary lifestyle will go a long way.

Poor tread

Having a poor tread (or “step”) can lead to numerous disorders since the foot is the base of the body. An exaggerated arch, a flat foot, or a step on the exterior or interior border of the food can each lead to distinct problems. This is why, if you’re suffering from back issues and you notice that your shoes are being worn down in a certain area, it’s important to seek the advice of a podiatrist.

Lumbar hyperlordosis and congenital alterations

Lumbar hyperlordosis can also be caused by genetic factors. In these cases, the first thing to do is ensure that a doctor diagnoses the problem and then follow their advice. The next thing to do would be to help your body by living an active lifestyle.

Get moving and get informed to prevent hyperlordosis

As we’ve seen, to prevent the main causes of lumbar hyperlordosis, the most important element is to prevent a sedentary lifestyle. This is a fairly common way of life now, but it’s extremely harmful.

To avoid it, stay active and take advantage of free time to go for a walk or play a sport. Finally, if you must stay seated for hours at a time, at least sit well!