The spine is made up of stacked bones called the vertebrae. They are arranged in three natural curves that are necessary to keep your body supported. In a healthy spine the three curves are:
* cervical, the curve inwards at your neck,
* thoracic, the curve outwards in the middle, and
* lumbar, the curve in the low back.

Look at a person from the side and you will see these natural curves.

When the lower curve is too far in, so a person looks "swaybacked", we call this condition lumbar lordosis.

Too much of a curve in the low back puts pressure on the back. This can lead to pain and disability. Good posture is necessary to keep the curves in their proper positions. Strong, flexible muscles help maintain these curves. Weak and stretched out muscles cannot give our spine adequate support for good posture. Practice good posture while standing and especially while sitting. Use these tips to help start new habits:
* When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor. Adjust your chair, or add a small wedge to sit on so your hips are slightly higher than your knees. Support the lower curve in your back with a pillow. Too much or too little of a curve can cause problems.
* When standing, rest one leg higher on a step to help support the low back.
* Do not lock your knees straight when standing.
* If you sleep on your stomach, place a flat pillow under you abdomen. It is better to sleep on your back, placing a pillow under your knees.
* Wear shoes that provide good support. If the heels of your shoes are too high, your posture will tend to fall forward into lordosis.
* Keep your stomach and buttock muscles strong and firm. These are the most important low back muscles.

If you have persistent or frequent back pain see your healthcare provider.

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