How does the psoas muscle affect acute and chronic lower back pain?
The psoas muscle is a deep muscle that runs along the front of the spine, from the lower back to the hip bones. It is one of the strongest muscles in the body and plays an important role in hip flexion, spinal stability, and posture.
When the psoas muscle is tight or contracted, it can pull on the lumbar spine, causing lower back pain. This is especially common in people who sit for long periods of time, such as office workers and drivers.
Tight psoas muscles can also contribute to chronic lower back pain. Over time, the constant pull of the psoas muscle can lead to spinal misalignment, disc degeneration, and other problems that can cause chronic pain.
What does the psoas muscle do when lower back pain is present?
When the lower back is in pain, the psoas muscle may go into spasm. This is a natural reflex that the body uses to protect the spine. However, psoas spasms can actually make the pain worse and make it difficult to move normally.
Why is it important to have a strong and balanced psoas muscle?
A strong and balanced psoas muscle is important for good spinal stability and posture. It also helps to reduce the risk of lower back pain and other injuries.
What are the best ways to stretch and strengthen the psoas muscle?
There are a number of stretches and exercises that can help to stretch and strengthen the psoas muscle. Some of the most effective ones include:
- Psoas stretch: Kneel on one knee with the other leg in front of you. Lean forward from the hips, keeping your back straight. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
- Knee to chest stretch: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Bring one knee up to your chest and hold it there with both hands. Pull the knee gently towards your chest until you feel a stretch in your lower back. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
- Bird dog exercise: Start on your hands and knees with your back flat. Extend your right arm and left leg out straight. Hold for 5 seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.
- Dead bug exercise: Lie on your back with your arms and legs extended in the air. Slowly lower one arm and the opposite leg towards the ground until they are a few inches from the floor. Hold for 5 seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.
How can Wellness Professionals Inc help, utilizing their services of Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Pilates and DAVID health solutions?
Wellness Professionals Inc can help you to stretch and strengthen your psoas muscle through a variety of services, including:
- Chiropractic: A chiropractor can use manual adjustments to help release tension in the psoas muscle and improve spinal alignment.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you specific stretches and exercises to target the psoas muscle and help you to strengthen it.
- Pilates: Pilates is a low-impact exercise that focuses on core strength and flexibility. Many Pilates exercises can help to stretch and strengthen the psoas muscle.
- DAVID health solutions: DAVID health solutions is a technology platform that uses biofeedback and electrical stimulation to help people improve their posture and muscle function. DAVID can be used to target the psoas muscle and help to strengthen it.
If you are experiencing lower back pain, it is important to see a doctor or other healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once any underlying conditions have been ruled out, a healthcare professional can help you to develop a treatment plan to relieve your pain and strengthen your psoas muscle.
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Dr. Michael Dickerson
Dr. Michael Dickerson is a graduate of Parker College of Chiropractic. Upon Graduation, Dr. Dickerson practiced in Bastrop, LA before returning home to Northwest Arkansas. Dr. Dickerson has always focused on obtaining the best result for his patients and staying current on the best neuro spinal biomechanical treatments in the profession.