The Psoas Muscle (pronounced SO-as) may be the most important muscle in your body. Without this essential muscle group also known as the hip flexors you wouldn’t even be able to get out of the bed in the morning!
In fact, whether you run, bike, dance, practice yoga, or just hang out on your couch, your psoas muscles are involved.
The psoas muscles are the primary connectors between your torso and your legs. The psoas muscle is also vital in providing good posture and stabilizes your spine. They are located deep in the abdomen behind the intestines and rest along the front of the lumbar spine.
Because they are major flexors, a weak psoas muscle can cause many of the surrounding muscles to compensate and become overused.
A tight or restricted psoas muscle could be the cause of many aches and pains, including low back and pelvic pain. A tight Psoas muscle will also keep your body constantly triggered in fight or flight mode. Psoas muscles often get tight from prolonged sitting. Active Release Technique, chiropractic care and proper stretching can help alleviate this often overlooked cause of lower back pain.
Changes in the Cross-Sectional Area of Multifidus and Psoas in Patients With Unilateral Back Pain: The Relationship to Pain and Disability. Barker, Karen L., et al. Spine 2004.
