Bill: Lower Crossed syndrome (low back pain)

[tones]

I've been experiencing lower back pain and hip pain for over a year now. I've seen multiple orthopeadists, chiropractors and I've gone through 3 months of physical therapy.

My original symptoms included lower back pain and hip pain that got worse as the work day went on.

My PT sessions typically included some hip strengthening exercises and some light ab work as well as massage and stretching. I noticed improvement during my 3 months of PT but I cannot get back to anywhere near 100%.

Lately the hip pain has subsided but my lower back pain and psoas soreness has gotten worse. After researching on the web I came across a condition known as lower crossed syndrome. My symptoms (tight hip flexors, weak glutes, weak abs, lower back pain) are all common to this illness.

I try to stretch my hip flexor and psoas regurlarly but I find minimal relief. Some websites have recommended myofascial release treatment. Are you familiar with this?

do you have any other suggested treatments?

[Bill Hartman]

Call Active Release Techniques to see if there's a practitioner in your area.

Active Release Techniques
Phone: 888-396-2727 (toll free)

If you're having difficulty gaining flexibility in your hip flexors, consider how much sitting you do compared to stretching. Also make sure that you're performing the correct stretch based on your pattern of tightness. You must consider the psoas, iliacus, rectus femoris, and tensor fascia latae (and potentially some of the adductors). Each requires a different stretch.

Bill

[tones]

sitting is definitely the culprit. I sit at work for 9-10 hours a day. Is there anything I can do to combat the tightening of my back, psoas, etc while at work?

Is there a source to find good stretches for the other muscles you listed?

I'm only familiar with a split stance hip flexor stretch. Place back knee on the ground and lean forward (keeping upper body perpendicular to the floor).

[tones]

sitting is definitely the culprit. I sit at work for 9-10 hours a day. Is there anything I can do to combat the tightening of my back, psoas, etc while at work?

Is there a source to find good stretches for the other muscles you listed?

I'm only familiar with a split stance hip flexor stretch. Place back knee on the ground and lean forward (keeping upper body perpendicular to the floor).