Dealing with Swayback Posture

Swayback refers to posture in which the hips are swayed forward and the rib cage is swayed backward in the saggital plane (Kendall 2005). Swayback and lordotic postures appear similar, owing to the convex curve in the back. However, upon closer observation it is apparent that in lordotic posture the lumbar spine is convex while in swayback posture the low lumbar area is actually flattened. In swayback posture the convex curve of the spine is much higher, in the lower thoracic spine.

In order to identify the correct posture you need to assess the position of the pelvis: is it tilted anteriorly? this is lordotic posture. Swayback is tilted posteriorly. In both lordotic and ideal postures the greater trochanter is over the lateral matteolus. In swayback posture, the greater trochanter is considerably anterior to the lateral malleolus, revealing the forward sway of the pelvis in the sagittal plane.

Swayback posture is commonly found in runners, dancers and sedentary individuals, and in older adults. Lordotic posture is common in athletes with iliopsoas tightness such as gymnasts and football players.

Kendall provides a detailed description of the swayback posture. The posterior tilt and anterior deviation of the pelvis and thighs create a neutral ankle joint with hyperextended knees and hips. The lower lumbar spine is flattened, and there is a long kyphosis (backward curve) of the thoracic spine, or rounded upper back, in the posteriorly displaced upper trunk. There are muscles imbalances present: short and strong hamstrings, internal oblique muscles with lengthened psoas and external oblique muscles.

To be continued

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Catherine D'Aoust at GAIA Adventures
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