Is Your Lower Back Pain Really Coming From Your Hips?

When your lower back hurts, it's natural to assume the problem is in your back.

Sometimes it is. But the real source of the discomfort could be hiding in the front of your hips.

Your hip flexors are the muscles that help lift your knees and bend at the waist. Many of us spend hours every day sitting, so our hip flexors stay in a shortened position for long periods, becoming tight.

Tight hip flexors can pull the pelvis slightly forward, increasing stress on the muscles and joints of the lower back. The result may be stiffness, soreness, or nagging back pain that seems to have no obvious cause.

That's why many people stretch their backs without getting much relief. The discomfort is showing up in the back, but part of the problem may be coming from the hips.

Movement often helps. Walking, strength training, and a few simple mobility exercises can improve hip flexibility and reduce strain on the lower back. Strengthening the glutes and core can also help support better posture and movement patterns.

If you're dealing with persistent lower back discomfort, ask a coach or member of our staff about hip mobility and strengthening exercises. A few small changes could help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing the things you enjoy.

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