28 Jun Hip Flexors And Lower Back Pain
Do hip flexors contribute to lower back pain? Keep reading this post to figure out the answer!
Lower back pain is by far one of the most common conditions seen at MYo Lab. With an increased workload from home, frequent sitting and more computer work this is by no means a surprise.
When breaking it down, often tightness is seen through the hip flexors which can be contributing to lower back pain. Let’s break down how this occurs.
Looking at the attachment points for some of these muscles, the origin point is in the front part of the spine in the lower back, and they make their way all the way to the front of the hip.
Accordingly, it can be inferred that sitting would shorten these muscles as the hip approximates to the torso. Consequently, if this position is sustained for an extensive period, that will create tension in these muscles. Ultimately, this tension can create compression through the lower back as the muscle will pull through the lower spine.
Additionally, if unsure of which muscles are being discussed in this blog post, ask any practitioner at MYo Lab to show a diagram of what is being referred to, and it can certainly be explained further.
If coming in for lower back discomfort, this explains why a practitioner would spend time making sure there is adequate length in these muscles. Suffering from lower back discomfort? Book an assessment with a practitioner at MYo Lab to see if this could be a potential culprit.
Hip Flexors and Lower Back Pain
Tight hip flexors are a common issue that can lead to lower back pain. These muscles connect the lower back to the thighs, and when they become tight or shortened, they can pull on the lower spine, causing discomfort and pain.
How Tight Hip Flexors Contribute to Lower Back Pain:
1. Pulling on the Lower Back: Tight hip flexors can pull the pelvis forward, increasing the arch in the lower back and placing additional stress on the lumbar spine.
2. Reduced Mobility: Tightness in the hip flexors limits the range of motion in the hips, leading to compensation by the lower back, which can cause pain and strain.
3. Weakening of the Core Muscles: When hip flexors are overly tight, they can inhibit the proper functioning of the core muscles, leading to instability and increased risk of back pain.
To address tight hip flexors and alleviate lower back pain, stretching is essential. One of the most effective stretches for targeting the hip flexors and quads is the Couch Stretch. Watch the video below to learn how to perform this stretch correctly:
Video Title: The BEST Stretch For Your Hip Flexors and Quads | The Couch Stretch
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