Condition
Hyperlordosis: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to hyperlordosis — what causes the exaggerated lower-back curve and how it is managed.
Quick answer
Hyperlordosis is an excessive inward curve of the lower back (sometimes called swayback). It is often postural and linked to muscle imbalance, and usually responds to targeted stretching, strengthening and posture retraining.
Key facts
- The lower back has a natural inward curve; hyperlordosis is an exaggeration of it.
- It is often postural and linked to muscle imbalance around the pelvis.
- Most postural cases respond well to exercise and posture retraining.
What is hyperlordosis?
Hyperlordosis is an excessive inward curve of the lumbar spine, giving the lower back an exaggerated arch and the abdomen and buttocks a more prominent appearance.
A degree of lumbar curve is normal and healthy. Hyperlordosis describes an exaggerated curve, which is frequently postural and related to how the pelvis is positioned and which muscles are tight or weak.
What causes hyperlordosis?
Hyperlordosis is commonly caused by muscle imbalance around the pelvis, often tight hip flexors and lower back muscles with weaker core and glutes.
- Tight hip flexors and lower-back muscles
- Weak core and gluteal muscles
- Prolonged sitting and postural habits
- Pregnancy or increased abdominal weight (often temporary)
What are the symptoms of hyperlordosis?
The main sign is a visibly exaggerated lower-back arch, sometimes with lower-back discomfort or muscle tightness.
- A pronounced inward curve in the lower back
- Lower-back aching, especially after standing
- Tightness in the hip flexors and lower back
- A gap under the lower back when lying flat
How is hyperlordosis treated?
Postural hyperlordosis is treated with stretching tight muscles, strengthening the core and glutes, and posture retraining.
The aim is to restore muscle balance around the pelvis and improve everyday posture. Structural causes are less common and may need further assessment.
At Postura Wellness, care for hyperlordosis is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Get a clear plan for your hyperlordosis
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Back Pain — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Know Your Back — North American Spine Society
- Health Topics — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Sciatica — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Sciatica — NHS inform (Scotland)
- Bones, Joints and Muscles — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine