Our muscles are a network of tissue that help us to move our body. They are not only connected to our bones, but also to our brain through our nervous system. When our muscles are injured, our brain sends signals that tell the muscles to tense up and become tight. While this is meant to prevent further injury, tight muscles can make it uncomfortable and even painful to move.
When the muscles in our back become tight, it can contribute to back pain. But even tight muscles in other parts of the body can cause our back to feel pain. This is because the muscles in our body are interconnected. You might be surprised which tight muscle groups could result in back pain.
What tight muscles could be resulting in my back pain?
- Hip flexor muscles — The hip flexor muscle is a group of muscles along the front of the upper thigh and leg. Tight hip flexors can pull uncomfortably on the muscles of the pelvis, known as an anterior pelvic tilt.
- Quadriceps muscles — Like the hip flexor muscles, the quadriceps muscles are located in the front of the thigh. These muscles are connected to the pelvis, as well as to our hamstring muscles. If your quadriceps muscles are too tight, it can cause stress on the hamstring. Stress and pressure on the hamstrings can result in back pain.
- Extensor muscles — The extensor muscles are two large muscles in the lower back that help us to stand and to lift objects. If these muscles do not get enough exercise, then they might become tight when you attempt to lift something heavy or engage in exercise. This can cause pain in your lower back.
- Neck flexor muscles — Even tight muscles in the neck can result in back pain. Hours spent slouched over a computer or cellphone can result in tight neck flexor muscles. This can cause pain in the upper back, and even as far down as the hips.
What can Whatcom PT help me do about my back pain resulting from muscle tightness?
If you’re suffering from back pain due to tight and tense muscles, don’t wait any longer for relief. Visit the experts at Whatcom Physical Therapy for help. We can assess the root cause of your muscle tightness and work with you to treat it, as well as offering medication-free relief from your chronic back pain. We use a number of evidence-based, proven physical therapy methods at our clinics, including:
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
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