The psoas muscle, a deep-seated core muscle, plays a significant role in movement and posture. When irritated or injured, it can cause various symptoms, particularly in the lower back and hip regions, impacting daily activities.
Understanding the Psoas Muscle
The psoas muscle is a long, ribbon-shaped muscle located deep within the body, on either side of the spine. It originates from the lower back vertebrae (T12-L4) and extends down through the pelvis to attach to the top of the thigh bone (femur). Together with the iliacus muscle, it forms the iliopsoas, a primary hip flexor. This muscle group stabilizes the lumbar spine, flexes the hip, and aids in movements like walking, running, and climbing.
Specific Sensations of Psoas Pain
Psoas pain can be a deep, aching sensation that is difficult to pinpoint. Some individuals experience sharp, stabbing pain, particularly during movements like lifting a leg or bending over. Tightness or stiffness is also common, especially in the hip, restricting leg extension and movement. Pain may also present as a throbbing or burning sensation, sometimes radiating down the front of the thigh or into the buttocks.
Irritated psoas muscles can pull on the spine, contributing to lower back pain. It can also cause a sensation of catching or slipping deep in the groin, or an audible snapping noise in the hip when straightening the leg or standing up.
Areas Where Psoas Pain is Felt
Psoas pain is often felt in the lower back as a deep ache, particularly at the border between the spine and buttocks. It can extend into the groin, sometimes mistaken for a hip issue. Discomfort may also occur in the hip joint itself, or radiate down the front of the thigh.
Pain patterns can be complex due to referred pain, where discomfort is felt away from the actual source. Psoas trigger points can cause a distinctive vertical pain pattern along the lumbar spine and into the upper thigh, sometimes extending into the pelvis or buttocks.
Factors That Aggravate Psoas Pain
Certain activities and postures worsen psoas pain. Prolonged sitting commonly aggravates it by shortening the muscles, leading to tightness and increased tension. Standing from a seated position can be challenging and painful as it forces the shortened muscle to lengthen and pull on the lower back.
Hip flexion movements, such as walking, climbing stairs, or lifting the knee, can intensify the pain. Repetitive hip flexion activities like running, cycling, or weightlifting can also strain the psoas. Extending the hip or maintaining certain sleeping postures, like the fetal position, can also exacerbate discomfort.
Seeking Professional Guidance
If psoas pain persists for more than a few days or significantly interferes with daily activities, professional medical advice is recommended. A healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis, as psoas symptoms can mimic other conditions like sciatica or general lower back pain. Diagnosis may involve a physical examination, range of motion assessment, and sometimes imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI. Treatment often involves conservative approaches like physical therapy, including targeted stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and support. Other interventions may include manual therapy, rest, and activity modification.