Common spine problem thousands of women are only just realising they have
Thousands of women have been left questioning their posture after a series of TikTok videos about a common spine problem began circulating online.
The clips have sparked thousands of comments from viewers who say they have long noticed an exaggerated curve in their lower back, a stomach that appears to push forward, or discomfort when trying to stand up straight.
For many, the videos appear to have put a name to something they had previously blamed on bloating, weight gain, pregnancy, or simply the way their body naturally sits. Others have described more painful symptoms, including lower-back pain, hip clicking, cramps, and discomfort when lying flat.
The condition being discussed is anterior pelvic tilt, in which the pelvis tips forward and the lower spine becomes more arched.
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In one TikTok video, for instance, a creator explained an anterior pelvic tilt: “That's when your pelvis tips forward, your lower back is over-arched, and your stomach pushes forward.”
Another creator said people may notice themselves ‘standing like this [seemingly standing straight], where your back is really arched, and your stomach is kind of sticking out”.
The videos have prompted a huge reaction from women on TikTok who said they had never considered that posture could affect the way their stomach appears.
One viewer wrote: “So I’m not fat??”
Another commented: “WAIT A MINUTE..... I'm not fat, my pelvis just rolls forward, what the”
A third shared: “I always thought I was fat. Turns out it was just my pelvic tilt.”
However, the comment sections have also highlighted how many people are dealing with discomfort rather than just cosmetic concerns.
One person wrote: “It hurts to [lie] on my back, like my tailbone feels like it gets bruised.”
Another said: “Yes, and it hurts my lower-mid back when I notice and straighten it out.”
Some viewers still questioned whether the issue could be linked to pregnancy, postpartum back pain, scoliosis, hypermobility, or diastasis recti, while others said they had experienced the same posture since childhood.
One commenter admitted: “I’m convinced it’s too late to fix… I’m 22 now, and it’s been like this since I was a kid. I refuse to believe that yoga positions can save anything.”
The topic has also been covered by outlets like GQ, which spoke to Kristen Lettenberger, a physical therapist at Bespoke Treatments.
She said: “So many more people are sitting all day, and because of this their hip flexors are super super tight since they’re spending a majority of time in a shortened position.”
“This could result in your abdominals being deactivated as well as your hamstrings and glutes not functioning correctly.”
TikTok creators discussing anterior pelvic tilt often recommend stretching the hip flexors, strengthening the glutes, building core control and working on the hamstrings.
However, one of the social media video makers warned: “it’s not just about standing up straighter”, adding: “It's not about perfect posture, it's just about rebalancing the system.”
Topics: TikTok, Health, Women's Health, Social Media
Ben Williams