National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) Practice Exam

Poor posture leading to sway back primarily affects the lumbar spine due to the specific alignment and positioning of the pelvis and lower back in this condition. Sway back posture is characterized by an increased anterior pelvic tilt, leading to an exaggerated lumbar lordosis, or curve in the lower back. This alteration in posture increases the stress on the lumbar spine, which can result in discomfort or pain over time. The muscles of the lower back may also become overactive as they try to stabilize the spine in this misaligned position, contributing further to the discomfort and potential for injury. In contrast, while the cervical and thoracic regions can also be affected by overall poor posture, they do not play the primary role in sway back. The sacrum, being the base of the spine, can be indirectly influenced by lumbar alignment but is not the primary area of concern when discussing sway back posture specifically.