“Over time, posterior tilt increases the compression load on your mid & lower back. This increased compression means that the spine is unevenly loaded, & injuries such as disc prolapse & disk herniation can appear. Further, the rounding of the lumbar curve puts excessive pressure on your spine, thus leading to hip, back & leg pain” [1], and this is why it is essential to consult a Pain Specialist
So What is Posterior Pelvic Tilt in Layman’s Terms?
In a nutshell, this scenario describes the top of the pelvis being rotated either backwards or forwards.
Backward Pelvic Tilt
In this instance, when the pelvis is tilted backwards (posterior pelvic tilt) away from its neutral position, the impact of this strain increases spinal bending (flexion). When the pelvis is in this position, your tail bone is tucked in under your body, and the front portion of your hips tilt up and backwards. This generates lumbar lordosis (rounding of the lower spine), giving you a flat back – something which is not congruent for a healthy spinal functioning [1].
Posterior pelvic tilt can cause significant problems, because it has an adverse impact on your entire posture. This is due to the fact that your neck and upper back work to make up for the deviant pelvic position, and as a result, are pushed forward. If you suffer from posterior pelvic tilt, then you probably have a forward head position, and thoracic kyphosis (enhanced round shoulders [1].
Just as with an anterior (forward) pelvic tilt, mega stress on the lower back is generated by a posterior (backward) pelvic tilt. Over time, this can lead to all over body pain (such as sciatica, the pain which runs down the back of one of your thighs or glutes); tight and weak leg muscles; reduced tendon length around the pelvic bones; poor posture, and incorrect balance [1].
Forward Pelvic Tilt
In this case, when the pelvis is tilted forward (anterior pelvic tilt), the impact of this strain
increases spinal extension [1]. In this day and age, an all too common cause for this condition, is excessive sitting down without sufficient stretching and exercise to weaken the impact. If you have this condition, then you have probably noticed that the muscles in the front of your thighs and pelvis are tight, while the back ones are weak. Moreover, your abdominal and glute muscles could also be weak. This can result in: pain in the lower back knee and hip, forced knee and hip rotations, and poor posture [2].
Visiting a Pain Specialist Without Delay
In order to have your condition correctly diagnosed, and to stop it from degenerating any further, it is vital to see an experienced Pain Specialist. When you speak to the specialist doctor, either online, or in person, they will review your medical record, and after conducting any necessary examinations and tests, set up a holistic Personalised Treatment Plan, which will get you on the road to recovery.
References
[1]. (2019). Mobile Physiotherapy Clinic “Posteria Pelvic Tilt.”
https://mobilephysiotherapyclinic.in/posterior-pelvic-tilt-exercise
[2]. Ginta, G. (2018). “5 Exercises for Anterior Pelvic Tilt.” Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/anterior-pelvic-tilt-
