Swayback is a very common postural deviation among pregnant women and the obease, particularly those who carry most of their weight on their front. However like all other postural deviations you could be born with the tendency not to mention work and habitual conditions.

 

What is it? 

We all have a natural inward curve of the spine on our lower back. With swayback this curvature is exaggerated. Your pelvis tilts forward, weakening your hip flexors lower stomach, and tightening your hamstrings. Or you could get swayback as a result of this muscle imbalance. What came first, the chicken or the egg!?

 

 

 

 

 

Why is this posture not advised?

People with sway backs will usually find that the longer they have to stand, the more their posture deteriorates, and in general it gets worse towards the end of the day. This is because postural fatigue sets in:  your muscles have to work harder to maintain a balanced posture.

As with any postural deviation, this imbalance can lead to muscle pain, poor balance and skeletal stress. The consequences of this posture vary according to age, sex and occupation. 

However generally speaking swayback can cause:

• Lower back pain

• Compromises joints in the hips and knees

• Could lead to stress fractures in the lower limbs

• Chronically tight hamstrings which can lead to the worsening of posture

 

What can we do about it!

For cases that are not very severe, regular massage and a comprehensive stretching and strengthening routine is essential. For more information on this read our previous post on Postural deviations.

 

Myrthe Wieler