Aligned Integrated Health
Anterior Pelvic Tilt: Causes, Signs and How to Fix It
When the Pelvis Tips Forward
Anterior pelvic tilt is a posture where the front of the pelvis tips forward and down, which increases the arch in the lower back and often pushes the belly and buttocks out. It is commonly linked to long hours of sitting, tight hip flexors and weak glute and core muscles. At Aligned Integrated Health, we address anterior pelvic tilt as part of posture correction in Scottsdale.
This page explains what anterior pelvic tilt is, how it compares with posterior pelvic tilt, how to fix anterior pelvic tilt, and when a chiropractor can help.
- A posture and pelvis exam, with X-rays when needed
- Gentle care with no cracking or popping
- Targeted exercises to rebalance the hips and core
What Is Anterior Pelvic Tilt?
Picture the pelvis as a bowl. In a neutral position it sits level. With an anterior tilt, the bowl tips forward, the low back arches more, and the muscles around the hips and spine have to adjust.
Key Features:
- Increased Low Back Arch: A deeper curve in the lower back that can feel tight or achy after standing.
- Tight Hip Flexors: The muscles at the front of the hip shorten, especially with lots of sitting.
- Underworked Glutes and Core: The muscles that should hold the pelvis level do less of the work.
Causes, Signs and How to Fix Anterior Pelvic Tilt
Here is what drives it and what tends to help.
Anterior vs Posterior Pelvic Tilt
In anterior pelvic tilt, the front of the pelvis drops forward and the low back arch increases. In posterior pelvic tilt, the pelvis tucks under and the low back flattens. Both change how load moves through the spine and hips, and they are corrected in different ways, which is why an accurate exam comes first.
Signs of Anterior Pelvic Tilt
Common signs include a pronounced arch in the low back, a belly that pushes forward even when you are fit, tight hip flexors, low back tightness after standing, and glutes that feel hard to engage. A misaligned pelvis can also make one hip or leg feel different from the other.
How to Fix Anterior Pelvic Tilt
Fixing anterior pelvic tilt usually means stretching what is tight, strengthening what is weak, and changing the habits that created it: loosening the hip flexors, strengthening the glutes and deep core, and breaking up long periods of sitting. The specific exercises depend on what your exam shows, so we tailor them rather than handing out a generic list.
Can a Chiropractor Help Anterior Pelvic Tilt?
An anterior pelvic tilt chiropractor can help by restoring motion in the low back and pelvis, assessing how your posture and feet contribute, and guiding corrective exercise. At our clinic, care may include gentle Pro Adjuster adjustments, chiropractic with rehabilitation, and structural rehabilitation when the curves of the spine are part of the picture.
When Anterior Pelvic Tilt Comes With Pain
Anterior pelvic tilt does not always hurt, but it can contribute to low back pain, hip tightness and SI joint pain. If you have pain that travels down the leg, numbness or weakness, get it checked rather than relying on stretches alone.
Related Conditions We Treat in Scottsdale
Frequently Asked Questions
Do chiropractors fix anterior pelvic tilt?
Chiropractic care can help, especially combined with targeted exercise and changes to sitting habits. The exercises you keep up between visits matter a great deal.
What is the fastest way to fix anterior pelvic tilt?
There is no shortcut, but consistency with hip flexor stretching, glute and core strengthening, and breaking up long sitting periods tends to make the biggest difference.
Can anterior pelvic tilt cause back pain?
It can contribute to low back tightness and pain because it increases the arch and load in the lower back.
Do you treat posture problems in Scottsdale?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome. Call (480) 661-1977.
Get a Posture Exam in Scottsdale, AZ
Aligned Integrated Health is at 10752 North 89th Place, Suite C130 in Scottsdale. Dr. Daniel J. Gerwig, D.C. has been practicing since 2001 and sees patients here himself. Most insurances are accepted and walk-ins are welcome.
New Patient Special. Includes the consultation, exam, report of findings and X-rays. See the current offer. Not valid for use with federally sponsored programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.