Could my psoas muscle be causing low back pain?

The psoas muscles are important for your maintaining your upright posture and helps to stabilise your spine whilst sitting and walking. They also have an impact on your breathing when experiencing stress, in the fight or flight response.

The psoas muscles are long thick strap-like deep hip flexor muscles that run down the inside of our body, on both sides of the spine, attaching to the diaphragm, the lumbar spine and pelvis, and then connection to our femurs (upper leg bones).

The psoas muscles are important for your maintaining your upright posture and help to stabilise your spine whilst sitting and walking. They also have an impact on your breathing when you are in a stressed state, during the fight or flight response.

In my practice as a chiropractor, it is not unusual to find that people who sit for long periods of time have very tight and/or weak psoas muscles, and I would say that 99% of my lower back patients have this problem too.

Do you have tight psoas muscles?

Tension and tightness in the psoas muscles not only contributes to poor movement patterns, but this muscle tension is also linked to a spectrum of lower back complications, ranging from:

  • Spinal disc herniation

  • Hip & knee complications

  • Ankle & foot complications

  • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

This tightness can not only affect your mobility, but also the entire kinematic chain related to weight bearing and overall muscle health.

Psoas syndrome

There’s a condition called “Psoas Syndrome,” also known as Jumper’s or Dancer’s Hip, iliopsoas tendinitis, internal snapping hip, or iliopsoas impingement. It’s rare, but more common in females and athletes who do energetic activities like jumping or running, or pylometric exercises.

If the muscle is injured, it can cause back pain. It’s also observed in people over 60 who’ve had hip surgery.

 

Symptoms of Psoas Syndrome

  • Lower back pain
  • Pain in the lower back area when sitting or changing e.g. standing up from a chair
  • Pain in the buttocks
  • Pain travelling down the leg
  • Pain in the groin
  • Pain in the pelvis
  • Limping or shuffling when walking

You don’t need to have Psoas Syndrome for your psoas muscles to be tight, weak, or overstretched. Chiropractors always consider other musculoskeletal conditions. In my experience:

  • If you have a bulging or herniated lumbar disc or struggle to straighten up, your psoas muscles are likely tight.

  • If you have a curved lower back or a posture resembling a duck’s bottom, your psoas muscles might be both tight and weak.

  • If you experience pain and issues with your Sacroiliac joint, your psoas muscles are likely involved.

  • If you have scoliosis and a short leg or leg length difference, you probably have at least one tight psoas.

  • If you have hip osteoarthritis, your psoas muscles are likely tight.

Dr Heidi Knorr

Chiropractor (BSc MChiro MSc APP (Chiro Paeds) FRCC)

Don't let your psoas muscle hold you back from living a pain-free and healthy life.

If you are struggling with lower back pain and other related symptoms, it might be a good idea to book an appointment with our Chiropractor Dr Heidi Knorr

To book an appointment with Heidi, click here.

You can also find out more information about Heidi here.

Meet Our Central Coast Chiropractors

Dr angus steventon
Dr Angus SteventonB.Med.Sc., M.Chir.
Dr. Angus Steventon was inspired to become a Chiropractor when, as a fifteen year old, he spent a week observing his uncle, legendary Chiropractor Dr. Rodney Steventon.
Dr lotte hansen
Dr Lotte HansenB.Chir. (AECC) Cert. DNS Practitioner
Dr Lotte Hansen studied at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic. After graduation she studied Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation, becoming a certified DNS practitioner. She joined CCSCC in 2018.
Dr bryce conrad
Dr Bryce ConradB.Ch.Sc., M.Chir.
Dr. Bryce Conrad is a third generation Chiropractor. From his early childhood Bryce experienced the direct benefits of Chiropractic care, and now works to pass on those benefits to others.
Dr dennis jang
Dr Dennis JangB.Hlth.Sc.(TCM), B.Ch.Sc., M.Chir.
Dr Dennis Jang practices as both a Chiropractor and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner & Acupuncturist. He has a special interest in chronic pain cases, insomnia, depression, anxiety and hormonal imbalances.
Dr heidi knorr
Dr Heidi KnorrBSc MChiro MSc APP (Chiro Paeds) FRCC
Dr Heidi Knorr decided to become a chiropractor after treatment helped with her scoliosis as a teenager. More than twenty years after graduating, she has returned home to NSW from her beloved Scotland.
Dr rory mcknight
Dr Rory McKnightB.Sc. (Hons) (AECC), M.Sc. (Chiro) (AECC)
Dr Rory McKnight has been practicing Chiropractic for 20 years. He was educated in the UK, and has a special interest in sports injuries, low back pain, neck pain, headaches and sciatica.
Dr claire mcvittie
Dr Claire McVittieDip.RM, B.Ch.Sc., M.Chir.
Claire has experience in working with nerve pain such as sciatica, headaches, jaw dysfunction, pelvic correction and stabilisation, and enjoys working with pregnancy care.
Dr nigel rowe
Dr Nigel RoweB.Sc., M.Chir.
Nigel is a very experienced Chiropractor whose gentle approach is appropriate for patients of all ages. He likes to include myofascial therapy in all consultations to prepare the spine for adjustment or mobilisation.
Dr nicole loveridge
Dr Nicole LoveridgeB.Sp.Ex.Sc., M.Chir.
Dr. Nicole Loveridge has a strong foundation in biomechanics and a passion for sports, sports injuries and physical activity. She is committed to helping her patients not only alleviate pain but also enhance their overall function and well-being.
Dr jo mcfadgen
Dr Jo McFadgenB.Ch.Sc., M.Chir.
Dr. Johanna McFadgen is a chiropractor with over 18 years of experience, with a special interest in low-force, holistic care. Passionate about treating kids, families, and seniors, she delivers empathetic, tailored solutions. Living on the Central Coast, she enjoys beach walks, swimming, and Pickleball with her family, balancing her busy life with compassion and expertise.
Dr dan tomassi
Dr Dan TomassiMChiro, MSc, DC, PT, LRCC, CSCS, IMT, HMS
Dr Dan Tomassi is a chiropractor with a background in strength and conditioning, personal training, and rehabilitation. Holding a Master’s degree in Strength & Conditioning, he combines hands-on chiropractic care with exercise-based treatment to help patients recover from injury, improve movement, and build strength. With a particular interest in sports injuries, performance, and musculoskeletal conditions, Dan provides individualised, evidence-informed care to help patients return to the activities they enjoy.