Hyperlordosis: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to hyperlordosis — what causes the exaggerated lower-back curve and how it is managed.
Medically reviewed by D.C Matt · Lead Director
Last reviewed 1 July 2026
- The lower back has a natural inward curve; hyperlordosis is an exaggeration of it.
- It is often postural and linked to muscle imbalance around the pelvis.
- Most postural cases respond well to exercise and posture retraining
What is hyperlordosis?
Hyperlordosis is an excessive inward curve of the lumbar spine, giving the lower back an exaggerated arch and the abdomen and buttocks a more prominent appearance.
A degree of lumbar curve is normal and healthy. Hyperlordosis describes an exaggerated curve, which is frequently postural and related to how the pelvis is positioned and which muscles are tight or weak.
What causes hyperlordosis?
Hyperlordosis is commonly caused by muscle imbalance around the pelvis, often tight hip flexors and lower back muscles with weaker core and glutes.
- Tight hip flexors and lower-back muscles
- Weak core and gluteal muscles
- Prolonged sitting and postural habits
- Pregnancy or increased abdominal weight (often temporary)
What are the symptoms of hyperlordosis?
The main sign is a visibly exaggerated lower-back arch, sometimes with lower-back discomfort or muscle tightness.
- A pronounced inward curve in the lower back
- Lower-back aching, especially after standing
- Tightness in the hip flexors and lower back
- A gap under the lower back when lying flat
How is hyperlordosis treated?
Postural hyperlordosis is treated with stretching tight muscles, strengthening the core and glutes, and posture retraining.
The aim is to restore muscle balance around the pelvis and improve everyday posture. Structural causes are less common and may need further assessment.
The Postura approach
At Postura Wellness, care for hyperlordosis is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Sciatica FAQs
Is hyperlordosis serious?
Most postural hyperlordosis is not serious and responds to exercise. Persistent pain, or curves that seem structural or are present with other symptoms, should be assessed.
Can hyperlordosis be corrected?
Postural hyperlordosis can often be improved with targeted stretching, strengthening and posture retraining over time.
What muscles are tight in hyperlordosis?
Typically the hip flexors and lower-back muscles are tight, while the core and gluteal muscles are relatively weak.
Can physiotherapy help hyperlordosis?
Yes. A tailored programme to rebalance the muscles around the pelvis and retrain posture is the main approach.
This guide is informed by patient information from accredited medical institutions:
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