Lumbar hyperlordosis - how to sleep without worsening back pain?

What is lumbar hyperlordosis?

Lumbar hyperlordosis is an excessive deepening of the natural curve of the spine in the lumbar region. Lumbar lordosis itself is physiological and necessary because it helps maintain posture and absorb loads. The problem occurs when the curve in the lower back becomes too pronounced and the pelvis moves into excessive anterior tilt. This may cause a feeling of tension in the lower back, lumbar pain, a protruding abdomen, prominent buttocks and a larger space under the lower back when lying on the back.

Can lumbar hyperlordosis be treated?

In many cases, the symptoms of lumbar hyperlordosis can be significantly reduced, pelvic alignment can be improved, stabilising muscles can be strengthened and pain can be limited. The basis is usually physiotherapy, exercises that strengthen the abdominal muscles, glutes, hips and hamstrings, as well as work on posture. However, this does not always mean that the curve can be completely "straightened", because the effect depends on the cause, age, spinal flexibility and the degree to which the postural defect has become fixed. In the case of pain, numbness, pain radiating to the legs or neurological problems, a doctor or physiotherapist should be consulted.

What should you avoid with lumbar hyperlordosis?

With lumbar hyperlordosis, it is best not to reinforce positions that deepen the excessive arch in the lower back. You should be careful with prolonged sitting without breaks, sleeping on a sagging or overly soft surface, sudden spinal hyperextension, uncontrolled "lower back" exercises and strength training without proper trunk stabilisation. You should also not assume that the pain will go away on its own if the symptoms are getting worse. Activity is usually beneficial, but it should strengthen stabilisation and improve pelvic control rather than increase tension in the lumbar spine.

What causes lumbar hyperlordosis?

Lumbar hyperlordosis may have many causes. It is often associated with muscular imbalance, a sedentary lifestyle, weakness of the abdominal muscles and glutes, excessive tension in the hip flexors, poor posture, excess body weight, pregnancy or compensation for other problems in the spine and pelvis. It may also accompany certain conditions, such as spondylolisthesis, osteoporosis, kyphosis or neuromuscular diseases. For this reason, when symptoms are clear, it is worth identifying the cause instead of treating only the spinal curve itself.

Which mattress should you choose for lumbar hyperlordosis?

For lumbar hyperlordosis, it is best to choose a mattress that provides stable support for the pelvis and lumbar spine, while not being board-like hard. A mattress that is too soft may allow the hips to sink too deeply, which can increase hyperextension in the lumbar area. A mattress that is too hard may increase muscle tension and make it more difficult for the body to settle into a natural position. Studies on lower back pain indicate that medium-firm mattresses often provide better results than very hard mattresses, especially in chronic non-specific low back pain. A good choice for a person with lumbar hyperlordosis is an elastic, stable and point-responsive mattress that allows the shoulders and hips to sink in slightly, but does not allow the middle of the body to collapse. In practice, it is worth looking for a medium-firm mattress or a firm mattress with controlled support and even support along the entire spine. In the ONSEN® range, this direction may be represented by the Osaka Air mattress when more universal, medium-firm support is needed, or the Osaka GRID™ mattress when stronger stabilisation and a higher firmness level are required. A mattress does not treat lumbar hyperlordosis, but it may reduce night-time overloads and support physiotherapy by helping the body maintain a better sleeping position.