Assuming the subject is in a standing upright postion
ANTERIOR PELVIC TILT- topographically speaking, the anterior superior iliac spines will be forward of the pubic symphysis;
FLATTENED LUMBAR SPINE- a term understood but I prefer some topograpical measurements, as numbers are easier to understand. To determine the lumbar lordosis, it can be calculated by taking a measurement with an inclinometer at T12 level and S1 level. The T12 measurement is usually found to be in a position of EXTENSION {-} in relationship to the vertical plane. The S1 measurement is usually in a position of FLEXION {+}. Example T12 -20 degrees and S1 +20 degrees the lumbar lordosis would be 40 degrees measured topographically. Now using the following classification:
A DEEP LORDOSIS 50 - 70 degrees range {60 or more}
A MEDIAN LORDOSIS 30 - 50 degrees range
A SHALLOW LORDOSIS 15 - 30 degrees range { 20 or less }
At this point, the LUMBAR LORDOSIS can be considered SYMMETRICAL when the T12 and S1` measurements are equal and ASYMMETRICAL when they are not equal. A SYMMETRICAL LUMBAR LORDOSIS is not a common finding whereas the ASYMMETRICAL LUMBAR LORDOSIS is common.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Suspect the following in the presence of----
1. Any LUMBAR LORDOSIS that is ASYMMETRICAL with the S1 measurement larger than the T12 measurement and the S1 measurement is greater than 30 degrees-
AN ANTERIOR PELVIC TILT
WEDGED-SHAPED VERTEBRAL BODY OF L5
WEDGED-SHAPED DISCS OF L4/L5 AND L5/S1
RULE OUT Spondylolisthesis, Spondylolysis, and a transitional vertebra of
the last lumbar segment.
2. Any LUMBAR LORDOSIS that is ASYMMETRICAL with the S1 measurement smaller than the T12 measurement and the S1 measurment is less than 10 degrees---
A POSTERIOR PELVIC TILT
REDUCED SACRAL FLEXION ANGLE
MULTIPLE LEVEL SPONDYLOSIS
MEASURE THE SUBJECT BUT CHANCES ARE GREAT THAT WITH AN ANTERIOR PELVIC TILT THE LUMBAR LORDOSIS WOULD NOT BE FLATTENING UNLESS THERE ARE GROSS STRUCTURAL CHANGES PRESENCE. What is the range of motion of the lumbar spine----and what is the lumbar/pelvic rhythm?
This condition is called lumbar hyperlordosis. It can lead to lower back pain, muscle imbalances, and increased stress on the lumbar spine. Treatment typically involves strengthening the abdominal and gluteal muscles, correcting posture, and addressing any underlying issues that may be causing the increased anterior pelvic tilt.
Lumbo-pelvic rhythm is the relationship between the pelvis and the lumbar spine. When a person attempts to touch their toes (straight legged), the pelvis anteriorly tilts on the femur and the lumbar portion of the spine flexes. This integrated movement is the lumbo-pelvic rhythm. An appropriate rhythm is a anterior pelvic tilt of 60 degrees, and a lumbar spinal flex of 30 degrees. Tight hamstrings will reduce pelvic motion and increase lumbar flexion.
The medical term for anterior curvature of the spine is lordosis. It is a normal curve in the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine that helps distribute weight and maintain balance.
There are four curves in the spine. They are the Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar and Pelvic curves.
Lumbar-pelvic dissociation refers to the independent movement of the lumbar spine (lower back) and the pelvis. This separation of movement is important for functional activities such as walking, running, and bending at the waist. Insufficient lumbar-pelvic dissociation can lead to compensatory movements and potential risk for injury.
A surgical procedure whereby metal instruments (screws and plates) are fixed to the front of the lumbar spine to diminish anteroposterior movement.
The anterior superior iliac spine is located in the pelvic region, at the front of the hip bone (ilium). It serves as an attachment point for various hip and thigh muscles, including the sartorius muscle.
Lordosis is a backward curvature of the spine, while kyphosis is a forward curvature of the spine. The term lumbar referrs to the lower back. In the lumbar region the back is supposed to have lordosis. So loss of lordosis is when the natural curvature of the spine is absent. In other words, instead of the normal and necessary inward curve, the spine is straight. This can lead to misalignment of the pelvis causing lower back or knee pain.
Preferred position of the pelvis that elongates the lumbar spine and shortens the over stretched abdominal muscles during pregnancy.
Scoliosis of the lumbar spine is an abnormal sideways curve in the spine of the lower back.
The lumbar spine controls many parts of your body. The spine has numerous nerve connections to all the organs in your body. If your lumbar spine is damaged it can harm different organs.
Ideal postural alignment can be determined by drawing an imaginary line connecting the ear lobe, anterior shoulder, lumbar spine, posterior hip, anterior knee and anterior ankle. Deviations from this vertical may highlight postural problems. Common pathological postures are: 1. Kyphosis 2. Increased/Decreased Kyphosis 3. Lordosis 4. Scoliosis 5. Rounded shoulders 6. Anterior pelvic tilt 7. Posterior pelvic tilt 8. Genu Varum 9. Genu Valgum