Lower Cross Syndrome (LCS) is a postural imbalance that can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back, hips, and legs. Understanding this condition can help patients and their healthcare providers better manage and treat the symptoms. In this patient education document, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for Lower Cross Syndrome.
Causes:
LCS is caused by a combination of tight and weak muscles in the hips, lower back, and abdomen. The tight muscles in this condition are typically the hip flexors and lumbar erector spinae muscles, while the weak muscles are typically the gluteus and abdominal muscles. Prolonged sitting, poor posture, and lack of exercise can contribute to LCS.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of LCS can vary from person to person but typically include:
Lower back pain
Hip pain
Knee pain
Limited range of motion in the hips and lower back
Tightness and tension in the hip flexors
Diagnosis:
LCS can be diagnosed through an in depth history and physical examination. Your healthcare provider may perform a physical exam to check for muscle imbalances and range of motion in the hips and lower back. Imaging tests such as x-rays or MRI scans may also be ordered to rule out other causes of lower back and hip pain.
Treatment:
Treatment for LCS typically focuses on improving posture and correcting muscle imbalances. This may include:
Chiropractic care to improve spinal alignment
Rehab exercises to improve posture, strengthen weak muscles, and stretch tight muscles
Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and bring blood flow to affected areas
Acupuncture or dry needling to relieve pain and promote blood flow
Ergonomic modifications to work and home environments
Exercise to improve muscle strength and flexibility
Systematic Review Citations:
Bae YH, Kim SY, Kim GD. The effects of lumbar stabilization exercise on lumbar muscle strength, posture, and pain in patients with degenerative lumbar disc disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021 May;43:101357. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101357. Epub 2021 Mar 30. PMID: 33964967.
Cunha AC, Burke TN, França FJR, Marques AP. Effectiveness of a corrective exercise program in the management of lumbopelvic-hip complex dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Nov;48(11):876-883. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2018.8092. Epub 2018 Aug 15. PMID: 30110123.
Hanney WJ, Masaracchio M, Liu X, Kolber MJ. The effectiveness of manual therapy interventions for relieving hip and knee pain in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review. J Man Manip Ther. 2017 Jun;25(2):62-71. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2017.1281141. Epub 2017 Feb 2. PMID: 28559670; PMCID: PMC5447659.
Park KN, Cynn HS, Kwon OY, Kim SH, Lee WH, Kim TH, Yoon BC. Comparison of muscle activities during prone hip extension between low back pain patients and healthy individuals. J Phys Ther Sci. 2016 Jun;28(6):1778-81. doi: 10.1589/jpts.28.1778. Epub 2016 Jun 28. PMID: 27390318; PMCID: PMC4935027.
Information on this website is for general informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended for the purpose of diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is formed. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health professional regarding your medical condition.
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