QA: Can tight hip flexor muscles cause lower back pain? - North Jersey Whole Health Center, LLC

Question: I have tight hip flexors. I have lower back pain too. Can tight hip flexors cause lower back pain?

Dr. Press: Tight hip flexors can absolutely be a major part of lower back pain.

Anatomical drawing of the hip flexor muscles on the pelvis and lower back.

Sometimes, the iliopsoas or hip flexor muscle becomes too tight or shortened. When this happens, the increased pressure on the lower back can irritate or inflame the joints of the spine. Often times, tight hip flexor muscles are not the only reason for pain. By the age of 40, most people have some type of abnormality in their spine. If there is some degeneration in the spine from a pre-existing injury, disc herniation, or congenital abnormality (something you are born with), tightness in the hip flexors can compress and irritate these existing issues causing pain that would not otherwise happen. This is a component of so called “Lower Crossed Syndrome” and is one of the most common causes of lower back pain in the US.

Lower Crossed Syndrome, is the name for a collection of muscle imbalances. It involves tight hip flexors, tight lower back muscles, weak glutes and weak abdominal muscles. It usually involves very tight hamstrings as well.

Fortunately, most of the time it is a pretty simple issue to fix with some simple stretches and exercises. Dr. Press specializes in the treatment of lower crossed syndrome and can work with you to fix the problem with some in-office treatment, home exercises and some simple ergonomic changes. Call (201) 569-1444 to make an appointment today!

FAQ

What If I Have A High-Deductible Plan?

For patients with either high deductibles, poor or no chiropractic coverage, we participate with a discount medical provider plan called ChiroHealthUSA. It costs about $50 to cover you, and your entire family for one rolling year, and allows us to make the care you need much more affordable.

Which Doctor Will I See?

Generally, Dr. Press has office hours in the mornings, from 10am-2pm and Dr. Geleta has office hours in the evenings from 4pm-7pm. The office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and Drs. Press and Geleta do make appointments outside of these hours. Call (201) 569-1444 for an appointment today!

Which Insurance Plans Do You Participate?

Which Insurance Plans

We are In-Network Providers for the following plans:
Aetna
Cigna
United Healthcare
Oxford
Medicare Part B

Will It Hurt?

The simple answer is “generally no.” Chiropractic care is safe, gentle, effective for most neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. However, if your problem is chronic, ongoing or the result of a traumatic injury, sometimes care CAN be somewhat uncomfortable. In such cases, we work diligently to reduce or eliminate pain as our primary treatment objective. Our goal is to make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible.