One of the most common causes of low-back pain results from lordosis, or swayback -- extreme inward curvature of the lower back. Excessive lordosis can affect the lower back in several ways: It can increase the risk of muscle fatigue and spasms. It can put added pressure on the disks, increasing the risk of microtears (imagine pressing your hand straight down on a jelly-filled donut; it can absorb that pressure evenly throughout, but if you press harder on one edge, the jelly is more likely to squirt out the other side). And excessive lordosis can cause inflammation of the facet joints of the vertebrae.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.