What causes swayback? No matter how many sit-ups I do, my swayback never goes away.
When viewed from the side, there are three natural curves of the spine. The natural curve of the low back is called lumbar lordosis. "Swayback" is an exaggerated position of lordosis called hyperlordosis.
Hyperlordosis is caused by the position of both the vertebral bones in the lumbar spine and the pelvis. If the pelvis is tilted or tipped forward (anteriorly), the lordosis increases.
Abdominal strengthening exercises such as sit-ups can make a difference. The other curves in the neck and upper back also influence the lumbar position.
A full spinal X-ray may be needed to determine the cause of your hyperlordosis before the best treatment can be applied. There may be a structural cause that can't be changed by doing sit-ups or other exercises.
Ask your doctor to help you. Getting a baseline X-ray now can help show you later if you are staying the same, getting better, or getting worse. This will also help when judging if the treatment is helping.
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