“Duck-Butt” and “Sway-Back” are affectionate names that describe the medical condition hyperlordosis.
Hyper- meaning too much and -lordosis means a concave exaggerated curve of the lumbar spine.
It is a condition that is blamed for most low back pain.
The so-called “Duck-Butt” look is actually an exaggerated anterior tilt of the pelvis. Over-extension of the low back causes some people lumbar pain.
What muscles are generally problematic with hyperlordosis?
When we sit for long periods, muscles in the front of your hip (tensor fascia lata, iliacus and psoas major) get tight.
They are your chief hip flexors. And when they are tight, and you try to stand up, they pull the pelvis forward and down.
This stretches your abs (in particular rectus abdominis) as well as your hamstrings (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus) and weakens them.
Because of this your muscles in the low back (the entire erector spinae group, quadratus lumborum, ext) get tight.
I mean super-tight for some people.
You have seen it. The person grabbing the wall as they moan on the way up.
It’s like a brick back there. No wonder it takes a few minutes for some people to stand erect.
Sitting is not the only reason people can develop anterior pelvic tilt, but for the vast majority, it is the main cause.
So, can massage help hyperlordosis, thus relieving some back pain?
You bet. But it ain’t fun, let me tell you.
To massage those deep hip flexors takes a highly skilled licensed massage therapist.
Your digging deep into the inguinal region and it hurts.
For me, it makes me feel nauseous and weird on top of the pain.
However, when finished with cross-fiber friction, and deep palpation, the hips float and feel free.
I can’t describe how good my hips feel after the massage.
Wait, I just did. They float on a cloud.
Another thing I discovered is that it also does wonders for the SI joint (sacroiliac joint). If you have sciatica, these flexors might be your ‘problemo’.
The low back muscles are easier to address, but they too will hurt because of them being hypertonic (super tight).
But (butt) again, the low back will feel free as waves of butterflies (arterioles) promote blood flow to desperate muscle fibers and nerves.
Yes, I know a muscle fiber is a nerve. Duh!
Anyhow, massage will help most people, that is why the medical board governs its practice. It isn’t snake oil.
Now if you would like me to torture you therapeutically massage those areas of concern, call me and I will do my best.
Doug Holland, LMT
Cortland, Ohio
330-637-3056