A person with an increased lordosis of their lumbar spine will have an increased risk of generating facet joint compression. The spinal facets joints and their movement are pointed out by the black arrows in the picture. The downward arrow shows the facets joints being compressed as occurs when leaning backwards; this compressive force can be sustained when a person has an increased postural lordosis. The pain experience could be considered a cry for help by the facet joints!

In order to minimise this potential mechanical irritation it is often necessary to lengthen and strengthen certain muscle groups. The sections below provide a basic overview of how to start making appropriate changes.