Why the Curve in Your Lower Back Matters

Most of us have a gentle inward curve in the lower back called lumbar lordosis. This curve helps distribute the forces that come through the spine when we stand, walk, or lift objects. When the curve flattens out—a condition known as hypolordosis—the spine loses some of its natural shock‑absorbing ability. Over time, many people develop (CMLBP), a lingering ache that isn’t caused by an acute injury but by ongoing mechanical stress on the vertebrae, discs, and surrounding muscles.

What the Study Set Out to Test

Researchers at Cairo University wanted to know whether adding a specific type of lumbar extension traction to a standard program of stretching and infrared heat would improve three things:

1. The shape of the lumbar curve (making the lordosis more “normal”).

2. Pain levels reported by the patient.

3. Inter‑segmental motion, meaning how smoothly each pair of vertebrae slides and rotates relative to the next one.

They recruited 80 adults aged 40‑50 who all had chronic low‑back pain and a flattened lumbar curve. Participants were split into two groups:

Group	Treatment
Comparison (40 people)	Stretching exercises + infrared radiation
Traction (40 people)	Same stretching + infrared plus lumbar extension traction

Both groups followed the program for several weeks, and the researchers measured spinal angles, segmental motion, and pain at the start, after treatment, and again three months later.

What They Found

• Spinal Curve & Segment Motion: The traction group showed significant improvements in the curvature of the lower back and in the way the vertebrae moved relative to each other (especially at the L3‑L4, L4‑L5, L5‑S1, and L2‑L3 levels). These changes persisted at the three‑month follow‑up.

• Pain Levels: While both groups reported less pain after treatment, the difference between them wasn’t statistically strong enough to claim that traction reduced pain more than stretching alone. In other words, both approaches helped, but the added traction didn’t dramatically change the pain score.

• Overall Takeaway: Adding lumbar extension traction to a routine of stretching and infrared heat appears to restore a healthier lumbar curve and improve segmental mobility better than stretching and heat alone. Pain relief is still achieved with either method, but the structural benefits of traction may support longer‑term function.

How This Relates to Everyday Chiropractic Care

At Chiropatrick, we specialize in helping patients regain a healthy spinal curve and move pain‑free. One of the core techniques we employ is CBP® (Chiropractic BioPhysics)—a evidence‑based protocol that focuses on:

1. Postural Restoration: Using precise adjustments, mirror image exercises, and traction to correct abnormal curvatures such as hypolordosis.

2. Targeted Traction: Similar to the lumbar extension traction used in the study, CBP applies controlled, sustained forces that encourage the spine to remodel toward its ideal shape.

3. Holistic Support: We combine traction with therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and, when appropriate, modalities like infrared heat to promote tissue healing and reduce discomfort.

Front view of Chiropatric Chiropractic Center in Falmouth, ME

What You Can Expect at Chiropatrick

• Comprehensive Assessment: We’ll evaluate your posture, spinal curves, and segmental motion using digital imaging and functional tests.

• Personalized CBP Plan: Based on your assessment, we design a traction schedule (often a few minutes per session, several times a week) paired with home‑based mirror‑image exercises.

• Integrated Therapies: Stretching routines, heat therapy, and soft‑tissue work complement the traction to enhance flexibility and relieve muscle tension.

• Progress Monitoring: Just like the researchers measured outcomes at multiple time points, we regularly reassess your curve and symptom levels to ensure the plan stays effective.

Bottom Line for Readers

• A flattened lower‑back curve can contribute to chronic pain and limited movement.

• Lumbar extension traction, when combined with stretching and heat, can help restore that curve and improve how the vertebrae glide and rotate.

• Pain relief can be achieved with stretching and heat alone, but adding traction may give you a sturdier, more functional spine over the long term.

• At Chiropatrick, we bring these research findings into everyday practice through the CBP® method, offering a structured, science‑backed pathway to a healthier back.

If you’re dealing with persistent low‑back discomfort and wonder whether a postural‑focused program could help, feel free to reach out to Chiropatrick. Our team can assess your unique situation and design a CBP‑based plan tailored to your goals. Call the office at (207) 781-2003