Lordosis Pain? Why Your Spine Is Over-Curving + Medical Next Steps

If you've been told you have lordosis, or you're noticing an exaggerated inward curve in your lower back, you may be wondering: Is this normal? Why does it hurt? What should I do next?

Lordosis refers to the natural inward curve of the spine — most commonly in the lower back (lumbar spine). Everyone has some degree of lordosis. The problem begins when that curve becomes excessive, sometimes called hyperlordosis or "swayback." When the curve increases beyond a healthy range, it can lead to pain, stiffness, posture changes, and muscle strain.

Let's break down what lordosis pain means, why it happens, and what medical steps you should consider.

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What Is Lordosis?

The spine has three natural curves:

• A slight inward curve in the neck (cervical lordosis)
• A slight outward curve in the mid-back (thoracic kyphosis)
• A slight inward curve in the lower back (lumbar lordosis)

These curves help:

• Absorb shock
• Distribute body weight
• Maintain balance
• Allow flexible movement

Lordosis becomes a concern when the inward curve is exaggerated, putting extra stress on the joints, discs, ligaments, and muscles of the lower back.

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What Does Lordosis Pain Feel Like?

Not everyone with lordosis has pain. But when symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Dull or aching lower back pain
• Pain that worsens after standing for long periods
• Muscle tightness in the lower back or hips
• Stiffness when getting up after sitting
• Visible "swayback" posture
• Protruding abdomen or buttocks

In more severe cases, especially if nerves are compressed:

• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Weakness in the legs
• Shooting pain down one leg

If you're experiencing new or worsening symptoms, using a free symptom checker for Acute Low Back Pain can help you understand what might be causing your discomfort and prepare better questions for your doctor.

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Why Is Your Spine Over-Curving?

Several factors can cause or worsen lordosis.

1. Poor Posture

One of the most common causes. Long hours sitting, especially with:

• Anterior pelvic tilt
• Weak abdominal muscles
• Tight hip flexors

can gradually exaggerate the lumbar curve.

2. Obesity

Excess weight in the abdominal area pulls the spine forward, increasing the lower back curve and straining spinal structures.

3. Muscle Imbalances

Common pattern in lordosis:

• Tight hip flexors
• Tight lower back muscles
• Weak abdominal muscles
• Weak glute muscles

This imbalance shifts the pelvis forward and deepens the curve.

4. Spondylolisthesis

This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another. It can increase lordosis and cause significant pain, especially with movement.

5. Osteoporosis

Weakened bones can alter spinal alignment, particularly in older adults.

6. Neuromuscular Conditions

Certain neurological or muscular disorders may affect spinal alignment and posture.

7. Pregnancy

Temporary lordosis is common in pregnancy due to weight distribution changes. This usually improves after delivery.

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Is Lordosis Dangerous?

In mild cases, lordosis is often manageable and not dangerous. However, untreated or severe hyperlordosis can lead to:

• Chronic back pain
• Degenerative disc disease
• Facet joint arthritis
• Nerve compression
• Reduced mobility

It's important not to ignore persistent or worsening symptoms.

Seek urgent care if you experience:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Severe weakness in the legs
• Sudden, intense back pain after trauma
• Fever with back pain

These may indicate serious conditions requiring immediate medical attention.

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How Is Lordosis Diagnosed?

A doctor will typically:

• Review your symptoms
• Examine your posture and spinal alignment
• Assess range of motion
• Check muscle strength and reflexes

Imaging may include:

• X-rays (to measure spinal curvature)
• MRI (if nerve compression is suspected)
• CT scan (in specific cases)

Early evaluation helps prevent progression and complications.

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Medical Next Steps for Lordosis Pain

Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause. Most cases are treated without surgery.

1. Physical Therapy

This is often the first and most effective treatment.

A physical therapist may focus on:

• Strengthening core muscles
• Strengthening glutes
• Stretching tight hip flexors
• Posture correction
• Movement retraining

Consistency is key. Exercises must be done regularly to correct muscle imbalances.

2. Weight Management

If excess weight contributes to lordosis, gradual weight reduction can:

• Reduce spinal stress
• Improve posture
• Decrease inflammation

Even modest weight loss can make a meaningful difference.

3. Pain Management

Short-term options may include:

• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
• Heat therapy for muscle tightness
• Ice for acute inflammation
• Activity modification

Long-term reliance on medication alone is not recommended.

4. Bracing (In Select Cases)

In children or adolescents with progressive curvature, a brace may help guide spinal growth.

In adults, bracing is less common and usually temporary.

5. Injections

If nerve irritation or facet joint inflammation is significant, a physician may consider:

• Corticosteroid injections
• Nerve blocks

These are typically used when conservative treatments haven't worked.

6. Surgery (Rare)

Surgery is generally reserved for:

• Severe structural abnormalities
• Progressive neurological deficits
• Persistent, disabling pain unresponsive to conservative treatment

Most people with lordosis do not require surgery.

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Daily Habits That Help

Small daily adjustments can significantly improve symptoms:

• Sit with feet flat and spine neutral
• Avoid prolonged standing without movement
• Engage core muscles when lifting
• Sleep with a pillow supporting spinal alignment
• Stretch hip flexors regularly
• Strengthen abdominal and glute muscles

Avoid extreme back-bending exercises unless supervised by a professional.

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Can Lordosis Be Reversed?

In many mild to moderate cases, yes — at least partially.

Structural spinal changes in adults may not completely reverse, but:

• Pain can improve
• Muscle balance can be restored
• Function can normalize
• Progression can be prevented

Early action improves outcomes.

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When Should You Speak to a Doctor?

You should schedule a medical evaluation if:

• Pain lasts more than a few weeks
• Pain interferes with work or sleep
• You notice visible posture changes
• You develop numbness or weakness
• Symptoms are worsening

While most lordosis cases are manageable, some back pain can signal serious conditions. If symptoms are severe, progressive, or accompanied by neurological changes, speak to a doctor immediately.

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The Bottom Line

Lordosis is a normal spinal curve — until it becomes excessive. When the spine over-curves, it can strain muscles, compress joints, and lead to ongoing lower back pain.

The good news:
Most cases respond well to targeted exercise, posture correction, and lifestyle adjustments.

The key is not ignoring persistent symptoms. Early evaluation prevents long-term complications and helps you regain comfort and mobility.

If you're unsure whether your back pain is simple strain or something more, consider starting with Ubie's AI-powered symptom checker for Acute Low Back Pain to get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms — and then follow up by speaking directly with a qualified healthcare professional.

Your spine supports you every day. Taking lordosis seriously — without panic — is the smartest next step.