Lumbar Lordosis and Pelvic Inclination in Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background and Purpose. The causes of lumbopelvic imbalances in standing have been widely accepted by physical therapists, but there is a lack of scientific evidence available to support them. We examined the association between 9 variables and pelvic inclination and lumbar lordosis during relaxed standing. Subjects. Thirty men and 30 women with chronic low back pain (CLBP) for at least 4 months were examined (mean age=54.9 years, SD=9, range=40.4–69.8). Methods. Multiple linear regression modeling was used to assess the association of pelvic inclination and the magnitude of lumbar lordosis in standing with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Oswestry Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODQ) scores, physical activity level, hip flexor muscle length, abdominal muscle force, and range of motion (ROM) for lumbar flexion and extension. Results. In women, age, BMI, and ODQ scores were associated univariately and multivariately with pelvic inclination. In men, lumbar extension ROM was related univariately to pelvic inclination; age, lumbar extension ROM, and ODQ scores were associated multivariately. Lumbar lordosis was associated univariately with only lumbar extension ROM for women and men. A weak correlation was found between angle of pelvic inclination and magnitude of lumbar lordosis in standing (r=.31 for women, r=.37 for men). Conclusion and Discussion. The odds ratio of having CLBP is increased if the score on the double-leg lowering test for abdominal muscles exceeds 50 degrees for men and 60 degrees for women. In patients with CLBP, the magnitude of the lumbar lordosis and pelvic inclination in standing is not associated with the force production of the abdominal muscles.

The correlation between low back pain and disability index with lumbar lordosis among dentists

“…This was especially evident in the case of BMI. Our finding are aligned with the results of our previous study [18] and Youdas et al [20] studies, that reported higher risk of LBP in women and men with a higher BMI.…”

Differences on Spinal Curvature in Standing Position by Gender, Age and Weight Status Using a Noninvasive Method

“…The relationship of gender, age and weight status with spinal curvatures has been previously studied (Murrie et al, 2003;Nourbakhsh et al, 2001;Tuzun et al, 1999;Youdas et al, 2000Youdas et al, , 1996Youdas et al, , 2006. Regarding gender, most of the studies showed that women have greater curvatures in both lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis than men (Bergenudd et al, 1989;Fon et al, 1980;Milne & Lauder, 1974;Milne & Williamson, 1983;Norton et al, 2004;Youdas et al, 1996Youdas et al, , 2006, whereas other studies report that thoracic kyphosis is not influenced by gender (Boyle et al, 2002;Gelb et al, 1995;Jackson & McManus, 1994;Korovessis et al, 1998).…”

Hip Abductor To Hip Adductor Strength Ratio Measurements In Patients With Non-Specific Low Back Pain

“…It has been shown that increased lumbar lordosis and weak abdominal muscle force show a link to the contribution of LBP. 54,73 In one study, the 27 These findings support the hypothesis that the abdominals become weak during incidents of LBP and can cause increased lumbar lordosis. It has also been shown that patients with LBP have approximately 60% of absolute trunk strength compared to healthy participants.…”

“…21 When the agonist and antagonist muscle have an imbalance in tightness or strength, pelvic obliquity and postural abnormalities occur. 9,21,22,54 The hip flexor muscle group would create an anterior tilt of the pelvis, creating more lumber lordosis, which can lead to LBP. 4,28 Throughout multiple research studies assessing the hip flexors and the relationship to LBP, no significant association between hip flexor muscle length and lumbar lordosis or LBP have been found.…”