What is Pelvic Incidence?

The normal range for pelvic incidence angle (PI) can vary depending on a person’s age, gender, and individual anatomy. However, in general, the average PI angle for adults is between 40-55 degrees.

Pelvic incidence is an important factor in determining the alignment of the pelvis and the spine. It is the angle between the line perpendicular to the sacral plate and the line connecting the midpoint of the sacral plate to the center of the femoral head. This angle is a fixed anatomical parameter that is determined early in life and does not change significantly over time.

A high or low PI angle can affect the alignment of the spine and may be associated with certain spinal conditions or disorders. For example, a high PI angle can lead to a more upright posture and may increase the risk of developing degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis. On the other hand, a low PI angle can cause the pelvis to tilt forward, which can lead to lower back pain or hip problems.

It is important to note that while pelvic incidence angle can be used as a diagnostic tool for certain spinal conditions, it is not the only factor that is considered when evaluating spinal health. Other factors, such as the degree of spinal curvature, the presence of disc degeneration or herniation, and overall spinal mobility, are also important in determining an individual’s spinal health. These parameters can be analyzed by properly taking an X-ray. Not all Chiropractors analyze X-rays for Pelvic Incidence and spinal subluxation.

You can schedule an appointment today with one of our board-certified Doctors of Chiropractic at Modern Chiropractic Center, who are also certified by Chiropractic BioPhysics and trained to assess X-rays for pelvic incidence.