Back & Neck Pain Exercise What Is a Posterior Pelvic Tilt? By Anne Asher, CPT Anne Asher, CPT Facebook LinkedIn Anne Asher, ACE-certified personal trainer, health coach, and orthopedic exercise specialist, is a back and neck pain expert. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 05, 2023 Medically reviewed by Oluseun Olufade, MD Medically reviewed by Oluseun Olufade, MD LinkedIn Twitter Oluseun Olufade, MD, is a board-certified orthopedist. He teaches as an Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Posterior pelvic tilt is a condition in which the front of the pelvis rises and the back of the pelvis drops, while the pelvis rotates upwards. The position of your pelvis matters a great deal to your spinal alignment and your low-back health. Posterior pelvic tilt is caused by an imbalance between the core muscles and the leg muscles. It can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, such as tight hamstrings and back pain. Treatment options may include exercises that target specific muscles, as well as sleep and sitting modifications that provide more lower back support. This article discusses the causes and symptoms of a posterior pelvic tilt. It also covers treatment, including specific exercises to try, as well as sleep and sitting modification options. BraunS / Getty Images Posterior Pelvic Tilt Causes A posterior pelvic tilt is caused by the imbalance between the leg muscles and the core muscles. Muscles involved in a posterior pelvic tilt include the glutes, hamstrings, quads, the pelvic floor muscles, abdominal muscles, the diaphragm, and the muscles within the deep layer of your back. A posterior pelvic tilt can be a long-term condition that may be due to your pelvis or hip anatomy, as well as your daily posture and movement habits, examples of which may include: Slouching while standing or sittingSleeping on your stomachLack of movement These habits can affect the position of the bones that make up the lower back and may also lead to long-term tension and/or weakness in the muscles in that area. Hamstring tension, or engagement, plays a major role in having good balance and proper posture. Hamstring issues, such as long-term tightness, can significantly contribute to a posterior pelvic tilt. How Do I Know If I Have Posterior Pelvic Tilt? An excessive backward tilt of the pelvis can negatively impact your posture and lead to associated pain. Symptoms of posterior pelvic tilt include: Appearance of a flat back and tucked glutes Slouched posture Tightness in your abdominal muscles or hamstrings Back pain, tension, or weakness Knee or hip pain How to Fix a Posterior Pelvic Tilt The pelvis, ribs, and head can be understood as structural units, or building blocks, of good spinal alignment. Aligning them properly is often the first step in attaining strain-free upright posture, as well as addressing symptoms associated with a posterior pelvic tilt. This can be done through: Targeted exercises Changing your sleeping position Making small changes to how you sit Speak with your healthcare provider or physical therapist if you are experiencing symptoms associated with a posterior pelvic tilt. Corrective Exercises If any posterior pelvic tilt exercises lead to pain, it's best to check in with your healthcare provider or physical therapist before continuing. Exercises that focus on the back, legs, glutes, and the abdomen can be especially helpful for a posterior pelvic tilt: Modified Cobra Pose Begin by laying flat on your stomach.Put your forearms on the floor.Move your shoulder blades down your back and open up your chest.Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Yoga Cobra Pose Modifications for Back Pain Straight-Leg Raise Begin by lying on your back with legs outstretched.Bend one knee and place the bottom of the foot on the floor.Contract the muscles of the leg that is straight.As you breathe in, lift the straight leg several inches off of the floor and hold for three seconds.Exhale as you release the straight leg back to the floor.Repeat 10 times on each side. How to Do a Straight Leg Raise Toe Touch Begin by standing with legs spread about shoulder-width apart.Bend forward at the hips and reach for your toes.Your hips should be directly over your feet.Avoid bouncing while you hold your position for 20 seconds. 7 Great Hamstring Stretches Supported Hip Bridge Begin by lying flat on your back with your arms outstretched and placed next to each side of your body.Bend your knees and plant both feet firmly on the ground.Pressing into your feet, squeeze your glutes and abdominal muscles to slowly lift your hips up.You may place your hands or a yoga block just below your low back curve for additional support.Hold for a few seconds and slowly release. Repeat 10 times. Hip Bridge Exercises for All Fitness Levels Slouch-Overcorrect Sit in a chair without leaning back for support.Slowly slouch your back forward.Hold in this position for a few seconds, unless you feel any pain. If so, return to sitting upright.Ensure that your feet are planted on the floor.Slowly begin to sit up as straight as possible. Keep in mind this can lead to a slightly strained feeling in your lower back or shoulders.Hold this position for a few seconds.Slowly release into a more relaxed, proper posture. Any strain, if applicable, should be gone.Repeat 10 times. The Slouch-Overcorrect Exercise for Posture Sleeping Adjustments To help support your posture while sleeping: Avoid sleeping on your stomach.Place a small pillow behind your knees if you sleep on your back.Place a pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side.Put a rolled towel or small pillow beneath the arch of your back if you sleep on your back.Ensure that your pillow and mattress support the natural curve of your spine. If you aren't sure what type of pillow or mattress will work best for your needs, speak with your physical therapist or healthcare provider. In general, your mattress and pillow should follow your spine's natural curve, and they should never lead to any pain or discomfort when you wake up. Treating Posterior Pelvic Tilt While Sitting If you sit often for work or in general, it's important to make sure: You are sitting in a chair that allows for proper postureThe table or desk that you use enables proper posture without any slouchingYou use a pillow for lumbar support, or opt for a chair with this type of support built-inYou take time to move around and stretch, especially if you tend to sit for long periods of time Summary A posterior pelvic tilt is a condition in which the pelvis is tilted backwards, out of its proper position. It is caused by an imbalance between the leg muscles and the core muscles, which can be impacted by your anatomy, daily posture, as well as movement habits. Symptoms vary, but may include a slouched posture, hamstring tightness, back pain, and more. Treatment often involves exercises that target specific muscles, as well as sleep position and sitting modifications. 4 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Yu JS, An DH. Differences in lumbar and pelvic angles and gluteal pressure in different sitting postures. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27(5):1333-5. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.1333 National Academy of Sports Medicine. The problem with the hamstring problem. Science Direct. Posterior pelvic tilt. University of Rochester Medical Center. Good sleeping posture helps your back. By Anne Asher, CPT Anne Asher, ACE-certified personal trainer, health coach, and orthopedic exercise specialist, is a back and neck pain expert. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? 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