Updated 29/10/2023
Do you frequently suffer from back pain or discomfort? Sometimes, back pain can be excruciating to the point that it impacts our day to day life. However, if you’re unfortunate enough to be suffering from back pain, then you’re not alone. In fact, according to a recent study, it was found that roughly 70%-90% of people will experience lower back pain at least once in their life. Although it is worth noting that the reasons for the pain will differ because there’s a lot of external factors that can result in lower back pain.
Moreover, there seems to be one common issue that results in back pain. The problem that primarily gets the blame is an “anterior pelvic tilt.” Now, we think that its safe to say, that unless you’ve been diagnosed or know someone with this problem, you might actually know what is in – and how it can affect you. Therefore, we want to explain what an anterior pelvic tilt if it does cause back pain. However, before we begin, the best place to start is to actually look at what components make up the pelvis (also referred to as the pelvic girdle).
The Pelvis
First, let’s look at the pelvis itself and what components it features. Your pelvis comprises of the hip bones (ischium, pubis and ilium), the coccyx and the sacrum. We also think that its worth mentioning that each component and structures, function together to allow the body to equally transfer the weight from the upper to the lower body. Besides, helping us to move, the pelvis also plays a supportive role for an array of ligaments and tendons.
Plus, this invaluable bone structure is needed to protect the pelvic viscera. Finally, it would be an understatement, to say that the pelvis is one of the most crucial parts of the human antimony. Thus, it can be said that it is vital that we work to understand and maintain the proper care for our pelvis, as it is essential to how we live our daily lives.
What is Anterior Pelvic Tilt & Does it Cause Backpain?
Now, that we have a better understanding of the “pelvis,” we need at one of the most common culprits of lower back pain. So, what is an anterior pelvic tilt, (also known as “APT)? First, if you have a healthy and normal functioning pelvic, there a small tilt forward, which moves back to front.
Medically, this is known as an anterior pelvic tilt. The best way to describe it, (other than the image below ), as it being an inverted triangle. Basically, view it as a triangle, where the front side of the triangle tilts forward slightly.
We’re nearly at the end of this blog, so it’s time to answer the all-important question, does APT cause back pain? Now, there’s been tons of research surrounding this topic, and some argue that yes it does cause APT. However, there are still medical and independent researchers that argue that APT is more likely to cause problems in the lower body. Such as our legs, ankles and hip problems.
The Bottom Line
So, in reality, the answer is that it’s quite indecisive. Although, it worth acknowledging that there are more medical papers and conclusive evidence that APT, does, in fact, cause or worsen lower back pain. Moreover, our opinion as a professional massage therapy centre in Leeds is that the main issue with APT is that it can cause the pelvic girdle to hold excessive amounts of weight.
Thus, the femur might start to internally rotate as a result of this excessive pressure or weight. Likewise, it can be asserted that this weight or motion can then cause the knee to move inwardly, which is also known as the “knee valgus position.” We also feel that it’s important to acknowledge that several of the research papers on APT and lower back pain, have identified that poor or bad posture can also be a contributing factor.
In addition, we have already looked into the correlation of back pain and bad posture, which you can find here. We have included the second image, to demonstrate what we mean when we say that your posture can impact the functionality of the pelvic area. Finally, we believe that APT is highly likely to cause, or at least contribute to your lower back pain. Want to know more or need help fixing your lower back pain? Book an appointment with us today.
FAQs
Is lower back pain always a result of a medical condition?
No, not always. Lower back pain can also result from poor posture, heavy lifting, or muscle strains. It’s essential to identify the underlying cause.
When should I seek medical attention for lower back pain?
If your lower back pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like numbness or weakness, consult a healthcare professional.
Can lower back pain be prevented?
Prevention involves maintaining good posture, lifting correctly, staying active, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing.
Are there alternative therapies for managing lower back pain?
Yes, alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage can provide relief for some individuals.
How long does it take to recover from lower back pain?
Recovery time varies depending on the cause and the chosen treatment. Mild cases may resolve within a few days, while severe cases may take weeks or months.
What are the risk factors for developing chronic lower back pain?
Risk factors include age, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and a family history of back problems.
