Anterior pelvic tilt

What is it, why it can cause back pain and how to fix it

What is Anterior Pelvic Tilt and What Causes It?

Anterior pelvic tilt is when the pelvis rotates in a forward direction. This is typically cause by a muscular imbalance when the hip flexors are tight and the abdominal, gluteal and hamstring muscles are too weak to counteract. These changes can be from too much sitting and a sedentary lifestyle. You can see the difference in the image below between a neutral and anterior pelvis.

What Issues Can Anterior Pelvic Tilt Cause?

With increased anterior pelvic tilt comes increased lumbar lordosis. Lordosis is the natural curve in the lower back, however, hyperlordosis (increased lower back curve) has been identified as a possible risk factor for lower back pain (Ludwig et al., 2024). It is also suspected anterior pelvic tilt causes hip impingement and sacroiliac pain (Falk Brekke, 2020).

Can You Counteract Anterior Pelvic Tilt?

Yes! As mentioned on the second slide, anterior pelvic tilt is typically caused by muscular imbalance. Therefore, we want to strength the muscles that will rotate the pelvis back to a neutral position (glutes, abs and hamstings) and release the muscles that are rotating the pelvis into an anterior position (hip flexors).

Exercises to Help Counteract Anterior Pelvic Tilt

How Can Osteopathy Help?

We use a range of hands-on techniques including soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, muscle energy techniques and dry needling to help release tensions in the muscles that are tight and help strength the muscles that are weak with the aim of correcting this imbalance.