Yoga and Anterior Pelvic Tilt

My Yoga Online has posted a new Yoga Anatomy article by Dr. Carla Cupido, Yoga and Anterior Pelvic Tilt. Dr. Cupido breaks down the anatomical components of the anterior pelvic tilt that is naturally set for the lower spine in order to sustain a healthy vertebral column. This yoga article brings attention to the cause of musculoskeletal imbalances leading to improper anterior pelvic tilts including the development of lower cross syndrome. This an important article for yoga teachers and participants to read in order to help appreciate the subtle alignments of the pelvis in basic to advanced yoga postures.

The anterior pelvic tilt is a hot topic in yoga and in manual medicine. Some people are overly concerned about the fact that their pelvis is tilting anteriorly without even understanding what it means. Let’s simplify the issues behind this increasingly common postural variation and learn how it can affect other parts of our body.

A normal pelvic angle is 30°; this means that our posterior superior iliac spines (the dimples above our bottoms) are slightly higher than our anterior superior iliac spines (the bones that stick out at the front of our pelvis). This angle can vary a few degrees either anteriorly or posteriorly due to our genetic makeup and even temporarily due to tight and/or weak muscles. An anterior pelvic angle of 40° is considered excessive and will produce a lower back (lumbar spine) curve that is also extreme. Our lumbar spine should have an anterior curve which is known as a lordosis; however, when this curve is excessive it is known as a hyperlordosis, which is not ideal. Cases of increased pelvic angles and lumbar hyperlordoses are very prevalent in today’s society.

Enjoy the full article: Yoga and Anterior Pelvic Tilt

Learn more about Dr. Carla Cupido.