Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “lower crossed syndrome”
As a hip flexor, it is an extremely important muscle, both functionally and dysfunctionally. When tight, its pull is exerted in closed-chain function with anterior tilt of the pelvis; excessive anterior tilt can then create excessive lumbar lordosis (a postural distortion pattern known as lower crossed syndrome), which often predisposes toward low back pain.
The transversospinalis musculature is extremely important functionally, and important with pain and dysfunction. It includes the multifidus, the thickest muscle of the low back; and the semispinalis capitis, the thickest muscle in the back of the neck. When working this musculature, it is extremely important to work very far medially, over the laminar groove of the spine.
As a hip flexor, the pectineus is an extremely important muscle because of its involvement in the postural distortion pattern known as lower crossed syndrome. Because of the location of the pectineus medially, it is also considered to be part of the adductor group. As such, the pectineus is an excellent example of a transition muscle, being located within two functional groups.
The tensor fasciae latae (TFL) is a hip flexor that is commonly tight, and strongly linked to lower crossed syndrome, and is a key target for massage and stretching.
This article examines the primary drivers of postural breakdown, how compensatory patterns develop and self-reinforce, and where spinal segmental function fits into the picture for manual therapists and movement professionals working with this population.
Good posture is defined as a balanced posture that is symmetrical and does not place excessive stress on the tissues of the body.
The following is a brief overview that links the low back condition with its corresponding assessment procedure and its corresponding treatment.
Assessment of lower crossed syndrome is made by the characteristic postural dysfunction of increased anterior pelvic tilt with hyperlordotic lumbar spine.
Tight hip flexor musculature causes excessive anterior tilt of the pelvis… hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine… hyperkyphosis of the thoracic spine… hypolordosis of the lower neck with hyperextension of the head at the atlanto-occipital joint… forward head carriage… tight posterior neck muscles… headache.
Two opposing muscle groups, the “facilitated” muscles that are locked short and the “inhibited” muscles that are locked long.
If consistent manual therapy care is given, including heat, massage, and stretching, lower crossed syndrome responds very well to treatment.
Vladimir Janda’s lower crossed syndrome is characterized by increased anterior tilt of the pelvis and a hyperlordotic lumbar spine.
Case Study: Kori is a 30-year-old store clerk. Her low back has been tight for as long as she can remember, but she never had any pain until recently.
For the client with lower crossed syndrome, it is also important to recommend moist heat followed by stretching of the low back and hip flexor musculature.
The lumbosacral spine should have a healthy anterior pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis. If they are excessive, the client has lower crossed syndrome.
Facet syndrome is a condition in which the facet joints of the spine (usually lumbar spine) are overloaded and become irritated, inflamed, and painful.
There is an old saying that no posture is bad unless you get stuck in it. The problem is that the thoracic spine often does get stuck in bad posture.
When a client presents with thoracic hyperkyphosis (rounded back), there are many approaches for how Pilates can treat thoracic hyperkyphosis. And for each of these approaches, many Pilates exercises can be utilized. Before addressing these approaches, let’s briefly review thoracic hyperkyphosis…
Stretching all hip flexors, including the rectus femoris of the quadriceps group, is extremely important for clients with lower crossed syndrome.
