The hip flexors play a pivotal role as one of the most frequent indirect sources of low back pain observed in our Key Largo office and across the Upper Keys. Their significance stems from their anatomical location—originating at the anterior of the lumbar spine, coursing through the pelvis, and securing themselves at the frontal hip joint. Often, their tightness triggers a notable outcome: pulling the spine into extension.
This seemingly small shift can result in an unintended outcome—compression of the posterior spinal joints. As a chiropractor in the Upper Keys, I've witnessed firsthand how this connection underscores the crucial need to address hip flexor tightness to alleviate low back pain effectively.
Hip Flexor Relief in the Upper Keys: A Story
Sarah*, a dedicated mother of three, navigates the bustling life of shuttling her kids to and from school and sports practices in the picturesque setting of the Upper Florida Keys.
While her weekdays are a whirlwind of activity, her weekends are reserved for the true joys of life—kayaking, boating, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Key Largo, Tavernier, and Islamorada.
Yet, hidden beneath her busy exterior lies a conflict that threatens to overshadow her vibrant lifestyle. Unbeknownst to many, Sarah battles with persistent low back pain, a result of years spent shuttling her children and long-standing hip flexor tightness exacerbated by her active weekends.
This uninvited pain clouds her interactions with her kids, leaving her irritable and unable to participate fully in the family adventures she loves.
*Name changed for anonymity
Common Complaints of Patient’s With Tight Hip Flexors Include:
Discomfort in the front of the hip
Reduced Range of Motion in the Hip Joint
Difficulty Standing Straight
Lower Back Pain
Pain while walking (due to shortened stride & altered gait)
Pain While Sitting
Pain During Activities that Involve Hip Extension (i.e. climbing stairs, squatting, or lunging)
Imbalanced Pelvic Alignment (feeling like “one hip is higher”)
Weak Glutes
Nerve Sensation (tingling, numbness, or radiating discomfort down the thigh)
Sarah's journey takes her through a labyrinth of medical advice. She approaches her general doctor, who offers painkillers and muscle relaxers, treatments she's wary of due to their temporary nature. A brief respite comes in the form of massages, but the pain's resurgence dampens her hope. It's amidst her uncertainty that a fellow parent at her children's school becomes the bearer of a solution—Seaside Chiropractic.
The prospect of chiropractic care evokes mixed emotions in Sarah. The idea of "being cracked" unsettles her, but the allure of returning to a pain-free life is too strong to ignore. With cautious optimism, she takes her first step into Seaside Chiropractic's doors. There, she discovers an approach unlike any she's encountered before—a three-pronged strategy that speaks to her holistic understanding of health.
Seaside Chiropractic's Approach to Hip Flexor Issues Consists of the Following:
The Psoas (aka “Hip Flexor”) originates from the front of the lumbar spine and attaches to the front part of the hip joint.
Active Release Techniques® (ART) to treat the Hip Flexors and Other Involved musculature
Active Release Techniques® (ART)is a soft tissue therapy that's gaining popularity for its ability to identify and treat the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction. One of the key components of ART is the Diagnostic Algorithm, a step-by-step process that helps ART practitioners identify the specific structures causing soft tissue conditions. Patients describe an ART treatment as feeling like a “good mixture of a deep tissue massage and a really good stretch”. Some of the commonly treated muscles in conditions similar to Sarah’s are the psoas, iliacus, quadricep muscles, low back muscles, etc.
The Chiropractic Adjustment to Free up the Joints of the Low Back
The Chiropractic adjustment typically involves a specific force to a vertebra or joint, aimed at correcting spinal & joint subluxations. The goal of adjusting the spine is to restore proper motion and improve spinal and overall joint function.
The Chiropractic profession uses many different adjustment techniques. Our team will determine what techniques are appropriate for you and your condition.
Physical Rehabilitation to Address the “Pelvic Tilt” Movement Patterns
The final piece of the puzzle, rehabilitation, promises not just relief but resilience against future injuries. Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is a treatment method that focuses on restoring the body's innate movement patterns through the activation of the nervous system. Developed by a team of physical therapists, chiropractors, and neurologists in Prague, DNS is a proven method for improving stability, mobility, and overall health.
DNS works by using specific exercises and techniques to stimulate the nervous system, activating the body's deep stabilizing muscles and promoting the restoration of optimal movement patterns.
A common dysfunctional pattern that we see in patients with hip flexor and low back issues is something called “lower crossed syndrome” or “pelvic tilt”. This usually derives from improper core mechanics and is treated effectively with DNS exercises!
As the weeks progress, Sarah's journey unfolds with a mixture of apprehension and courage. The chiropractors at Seaside Chiropractic become more than medical practitioners—they become partners in her healing journey. Through their guidance, Sarah learns that her experience isn't unique; many individuals grapple with mechanical pain and the uncertainty of where to seek help. The message resonates deeply: Seaside Chiropractic is not just about addressing problems but understanding individuals.
In a triumphant crescendo, Sarah's persistence bears fruit. Her pain begins to dissipate, and she rediscovers the joy of pain-free interactions with her children. As she embarks on kayaking and snorkeling expeditions with newfound vigor, her smile becomes a testament to the power of holistic care.
Through Sarah's story, Seaside Chiropractic's message reverberates—there's a path to healing, a bridge from pain to relief. By offering a multifaceted approach rooted in relatability, the clinic empowers individuals to regain control of their lives. It's a reminder that, at Seaside Chiropractic, the goal is not just to treat physical issues, but to rekindle the flame of an active, fulfilling life.
Elevating Chiropractic Care in Key Largo and the Upper Keys
Whether you're enjoying the tranquility of Key Largo or embracing the beauty of Islamorada, your well-being matters. Hip flexor or Low Back relief isn't a distant dream—it's a reality within reach.
ART Certified Providers offer a tailored approach that outshines conventional methods in cases like these. By addressing hip flexor issues head-on, these providers can make a real difference in your life.
A Brighter Future for Your Hips & Low Back
Hip flexor strain may seem challenging, but it's no match for the Seaside Chiropractic Team. If you're seeking relief from your hip flexor tightness or low back pain relief in Key Largo, Tavernier, or Islamorada, know that you have options.
By embracing this innovative approach, you're taking a step toward a future with less pain and more freedom to explore the stunning Upper Keys.