The psoas muscle: all you need to know
The psoas muscle is a long, deep muscle that spans the length of the hip and lower back. It plays an essential role in both movement and stability and can be a source of lower back pain for many people.
The psoas muscle is a long, deep muscle that spans the length of the hip and lower back. It plays an essential role in both movement and stability and can be a source of lower back pain for many people. This article will discuss what the psoas muscle is, its function in the body, and how it can contribute to lower back pain.
The term “psoas” is commonly referred to as the Iliopsoas, a three muscle combination of the iliacus, psoas major muscle, and Psoas minor muscle. They are connected because of their common attachment to the greater trochanter of the femur (upper inner thigh bone).
What is the origin and insertion of the psoas major muscle?
The Psoas major is a thick and powerful muscle located on the posterior abdominal wall, to the left and right of the vertebral column. It starts at the transverse processes (bony bits that stick out the sides of the vertebra) of all of the lumbar vertebrae and the anterolateral surfaces of T12-L5 vertebrae intervertebral discs. It then runs along the inside of the pelvis and inserts into the lesser trochanter of the femur (upper inner thigh).
What is the origin and insertion of the psoas minor muscle?
The Psoas minor muscle is a small, flat muscle that attaches to the lower vertebrae of the spine and inserts into the iliacus tendon. The iliacus tendon then attaches to the lesser trochanter of the femur.
What is the origin and insertion of the Iliacus muscle?
The iliacus muscle is a small, triangular-shaped muscle that attaches to the inside of the pelvis at the iliac fossa. It joins the other Iliopsoas muscles to insert into the top of the femur (thighbone).
When does it become the Iliopsoas muscle?
The origin of the iliopsoas muscle is at the junction of the psoas major muscle and iliacus muscle. The combined muscles emerge from under the inguinal ligament and flow down to the lesser trochanter (upper inner thigh). The inferior area below the inguinal ligament forms part of the floor of the femoral triangle.
What does the Iliopsoas Muscle do?
The iliopsoas muscle is responsible for several essential functions. It:
- Helps stabilize the hip joint.
- Allows us to flex at the hip (such as when we bring our knee up towards our chest).
- Aids in the thigh’s internal rotation (turning in).
- Assists in lateral flexion (side-bending) of the body.
- The Psoas Major portion helps the rectus abdominus flex (bend) the lumbar spine.
- You can’t walk, run, or crawl without using your Iliopsoas.
It is also required for correct standing and good sitting lumbar (lower back) posture. As well as when walking and running. The connective tissue covering the iliopsoas muscle has several fascial connections, linking the muscle with other viscera and muscles.
How can the psoas muscles contribute to lower back pain?
Lower back pain is frequently associated with the psoas muscle. Without a doubt, the Psoas is a crucial postural and structural muscle. In addition, when lower back discomfort develops, we typically look to posture as the source of long-term suffering. The Psoas, therefore, should be considered during low back pain assessments and any potential cause.
The psoas muscles can contribute to lower back pain in many ways.
- First, if the muscle is tight or in spasm, it can cause direct pain in the lower back or hip.
- Second, the iliopsoas muscle attaches to the lumbar spine (lower back). So if it is tight, it can pull on this area and contribute to back pain.
- Third, the iliopsoas muscle helps flex the hip, so if it is tight or weak, it can lead to excessive movement in the lower back and cause pain.
- Finally, the psoas muscles play an important role in stability. So if they are weak, this can lead to poor support and an increased risk of injury in the lower back.
What are some common iliopsoas dysfunctions?
Several dysfunctions can occur with the iliopsoas muscle. These include:
Psoas syndrome: This is when the iliopsoas muscle becomes tight and irritates the nerves or blood vessels around it. Leading to pain in the lower back, hip, groin, or thigh.
Psoas tendinitis: This is when the iliopsoas tendon becomes inflamed or irritated.
Psoas muscle spasm: is a sudden, involuntary contraction of the psoas muscle that can cause pain in the lower back and hip.
Snapping hip syndrome: When you move your hip, you might feel a popping or snapping sensation in its front. It’s typically painless, but when you move constantly, there’s a snapping feeling that can be annoying. Snapping hip is often caused by a psoas muscle that’s too tight.
What are the symptoms of iliopsoas syndrome?
Symptoms of iliopsoas syndrome can include:
- pain in the lower back, hip, groin, or thigh
- muscle spasms
- weakness in the legs
- difficulty flexing at the hip
- difficulty walking or standing for long periods
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any other possible causes.
How does the psoas muscle influence the hip joint?
The iliopsoas muscle attaches to the lumbar spine and the inside of the thigh bone (femur). So it plays a significant role in both hip movement and stability. This muscle helps to flex (bend) the hip, and so when it is tight or weak, it can lead to excessive motion in the hip joint and can cause pain.
The iliopsoas muscle also helps to stabilize the hip joint. So if it is weak, this can lead to poor stability and increased risk of injury in the hip joint.
What does a tight psoas feel like?
If you have tight Psoas, you may feel pain in your lower back or hips. You may also feel like your legs are tight or difficult to straighten up after sitting for an extended period.
A tight psoas can also cause referred pain when you feel pain in one area of your body. Still, the source of the pain is actually coming from another location. For example, you may feel pain in your lower back, but the cause of that pain could be a tight psoas.
What causes a tight Psoas Muscle?
There are a few things that can cause tight Psoas, including:
- Sitting for long periods
- Poor posture
- Wearing high heels
- Pregnancy
- Being overweight or obese
What can Iliopsoas weakness affect?
Iliopsoas weakness can affect:
- The ability to walk
- The ability to stand up from a sitting position
- The ability to climb stairs
- Balance
If you have iliopsoas weakness, you may feel like your legs will give out from under you. You may also feel unsteady when standing or walking.
Sway Back, or Flat Back posture, can occur due to iliopsoas weakness. Weakness can cause the line of gravity to fall posterior to the pelvis, producing an extension movement at the hip.
What role does the Psoas play in upright posture?
The Psoas plays a vital role in maintaining an upright posture. The Psoas attaches to the lower back and pelvis, and so if it is tight, it can pull on these areas and contribute to poor posture.
The Psoas also helps to flex the hip, and so if it is weak, this can lead to excessive movement in the lower back and potentially lead to poor posture. Finally, the Psoas muscles play an important role in stability. So if they are weak, this can lead to poor stability and increased risk of injury in the lower back.
Why is the iliopsoas muscle so important to movement?
The iliopsoas muscle is the most powerful hip flexor and helps to lift the thigh when we walk, run, or climb stairs. This muscle also stabilizes the pelvis and spine and helps us maintain balance.
The psoas muscle is so important to movement because it is the only muscle that attaches the spine to the leg. This means that it is responsible for moving the spine and leg in unison. The psoas muscle is also one of the most powerful muscles in the body and can generate a large amount of force.
Because it starts in the lumbar vertebrae and discs, and then inserts onto the femur (thighbone), anything from the lumbar spine to the femur can be affected.
Finally
The psoas muscle is a powerful hip flexor that plays a vital role in movement and stability. If the muscle is tight or weak, it can lead to pain in the lower back, hips, groin, or thigh.
It is important to see a recognized health professional if you are experiencing any of these symptoms to rule out any other possible causes.
PLEASE NOTE
PostureGeek.com does not provide medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical attention. The information provided should not replace the advice and expertise of an accredited health care provider. Any inquiry into your care and any potential impact on your health and wellbeing should be directed to your health care provider. All information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care or treatment.