by Cathy Oliver, LMP
Imagine stepping on a dog’s tail (but don’t actually do it!). The dog
may bark and make a lot of noise, but the problem is not at the barking end of the dog, the problem is at the tail end! Low back pain can be similar; just because your low back is “barking” doesn’t always mean that’s where the problem is. The problem is sometimes at another “end”.
Many of the hip and thigh muscles attach to the pelvis, such as the
gluteals (butt-muscles), quadriceps (front thigh), and hamstrings
(back thigh). When any of these muscles get tight or injured, they
can shorten or not work as efficiently. This can pull on the pelvis
and put undue stress on the low back, which has to counteract the
misalignment.
When a patient complains of low back pain, I will oftentimes focus on
releasing the hip and thigh muscles with massage. Some of my patients have thought it strange to focus on these areas when the low back is what hurts, but loosening these muscles has really helped their pain, as well as help restore back and hip range of motion. We generally treat these muscles pretty poorly, sitting on them and keeping them inactive for a good portion of the day.
Keeping your lower body stretched and moving throughout the day is an
excellent way to avoid back pain associated with hip and thigh muscles.
Below are some easy, gentle stretches you can do at home or throughout the day. Once or twice a day, relax into the stretch for 15-30 seconds, remembering to breathe.
Hip Stretches For Low Back Pain (pdf)
Self care supports the care you receive with massage and chiropractic, helping you feel better! It’s a lot like brushing your teeth between dentist visits.
Yours in health,
Cathy Oliver, LMP
