A lower crossed posture is a dysfunction of the spine and pelvis due to muscular imbalances. Overtime our bodies become overloaded from our activities of daily living (work, driving, sport etc) which results in certain muscles becoming overworked, over active and tight, while others become, under active, weak and even ‘switch off’.
These imbalances place additional stresses on the joints, tendons and ligaments as your body tries to compensate for the muscular imbalances.
Over time your body ‘breaks down’ and is unable to continue compensating for these additional stresses and this is when you start feeling pain and discomfort. this can continue until out of the blue you have an injury, your back gives in.
Just think about it; what happens when you drive your car with misaligned tyres. Your tyres wear down unevenly and quicker than normal until eventually you’ll have a blow out… It’s the same for your body.
A lower crossed posture describes a muscular imbalance where your hip flexors, quadriceps and lower back become tight and over active. These in turn switch off (inhibit) their opposite muscles which are the gluts and Abdominals so these become under active and weak.
As seen in the picture; this results in:
- an increased curve in the lower back (increased lumbar lordosis / hyperlordosis)
- a forward tilt of the pelvis (anterior pelvic tilt).
This posture can cause lower back and pelvic pain due to the increase stress on the lower back and pelvic joints.
Poor core and pelvic stability resulting in soft tissue sprain/ strains including the hamstrings as these are put on continual stretch.
Furthermore, knee and ankle pain can result due to the altered biomechanics and stability.
If you are concerned about any postural imbalances please ask our advice
