Is My Psoas Muscle Causing Back Pain?

Guest Post: Dr James Allen

Lyons Road Family Chiro

All too often many of us experience aches and pains throughout the body. One of the most common problems that Chiropractors see in practice is lower back pain. If you find yourself continually searching for an answer for that nagging back ache it may be time to investigate whether you have an overactive or weak psoas (also referred to as iliopsoas) muscle.

Sure, the psoas (soh-ahy) might be hard to pronouce, however it is without doubt one of the most important muscles in your lower back and pelvic region.

Palpation of this muscle group can be rather uncomfortable. A Chiropractor may apply pressure in the pelvic inlet area or laterally to the abdominal muscles to help release a tight or overactive psoas. This is commonly done for athletes in addition to stretches, although it should always be done by a soft tissue professional with expertise in psoas release.

Besides direct palpation, a musculoskeletal professional may also assess flexibility through a variety of positions and stretches. Following this your practitioner may recommend specific home exercises to assist your management and current problem.

Muscle imbalances can often cause the body to compensate in one or multiple other areas. This can lead to injury and pain. Some people are even diagnosed with psoas syndrome or iliopsoas tendonitis. These ailments cause pain in the hip and lower back area.

Symptoms of psoas problems may include discomfort, pain and aches in the front hip socket, restriction in the hip socket, restriction moving the thigh backward, deep pelvic pain or lower back stiffness.

If you experience one or multiple signs such as these then it is important to consult with a Chiropractor for a specific assessment.

There are two common behaviours that typically cause a weak psoas: prolonged periods of sitting and bad posture. As already highlighted a weak psoas can lead to lower back problems.

Sitting can cause the psoas, iliopsoas and rectus femoris muscle groups to remain in a shortened position for extended periods of time. When this occurs, these muscles get used to this shortened state and that makes them tight and overactive. Because these muscles are attached to the pelvis and lumbar spine, this shortening or tightening may cause a forward tilt of the pelvis and weakness in the gluteal muscles.

All of these factors contribute to the development of lower back pain and further injury.