Most people assume a protruding stomach is a weight issue. But sometimes, it’s a postural one. In fact, research suggests that up to 85% of males and 75% of females have an anterior pelvic tilt. And most of the time, people don’t even realise it.
So, what does it mean to have an anterior pelvic tilt? And why does it happen?
What Is Anterior Pelvic Tilt?
Your pelvis is designed to sit in a relatively neutral position, balanced between the front and the back. Anterior pelvic tilt happens when the front of the pelvis tips downward and the back tilts upward. This causes the lower back to arch excessively and the stomach and hips to push forward.
It often develops gradually from prolonged sitting, and you may not even notice it until you experience lower back pain, tight hips, or general discomfort when standing for long periods.
How Do You Fix a Tilted Pelvis?
Since it’s a structural issue, it often takes a multi-faceted approach. So, here are some things you can do to support your body and move in the right direction!
Move More Throughout the Day
It sounds simple. Yet, so many people spend most of their time sitting. Yet, your pelvis responds to how you spend your time. Long hours of sitting in the same position reinforce imbalances.
However, breaking this up regularly, even briefly, may help prevent your body from settling into one fixed position. A simple rule is to aim to get up and move every 30 to 45 minutes throughout your workday.
Check Your Sitting Setup
If your chair is too low, or your screen too high, your pelvis is likely compensating in ways that worsen your pelvic tilt over time.
Make sure your feet are flat on the floor, your legs are uncrossed, your knees are at roughly 90 degrees, and your screen is at eye level. If you’re a current client and would like us to look at your workstation setup, send us a photo! We’d be happy to help you figure things out.
Be Mindful of How You Stand
When standing, notice whether your weight tends to shift forward onto the balls of your feet, whether your lower back feels strained, or whether your stomach seems to protrude. These are subtle signs that your pelvis may be tilting forward.
Ultimately, this can be a useful starting point in knowing whether or not you need to do something about it.
Try Advanced Biostructural Correction™ (ABC™)
Awareness and lifestyle adjustments can help, but if your pelvis has shifted into a position your body can’t self-correct, these steps alone may not be enough to resolve the underlying issue.
ABC™ (Advanced Biostructural Correction™) identifies the specific bones and structures that have moved forward beyond your body’s ability to fix on its own. By correcting these precise misalignments, ABC™ allows the pelvis and spine to begin returning to a more natural position.
If you suspect anterior pelvic tilt is behind your lower back discomfort, hip tightness, or postural concerns, your Finsbury Park chiropractor is here to help. Book your FREE discovery call with our team at Posture & Wellness today. BOOK NOW.