Tight Hip Flexor Muscles?

DO YOU STAND IN THE DAY?
Studies have shown that the Iliopsoas, a.k.a “The Hip Flexor Muscle” (Pictured Above) is the ONLY muscle that is constantly active while in a standing posture.  That means these muscles are over worked and as a result get tight very easily.  The hip flexor muscles function as a vital ligament to prevent hyperextension of the hip joint and stabilizes our upper and lower bodies.  When our hip flexor muscles get tight they start to pull on our lumbar spines, causing abnormal spinal function, which ultimately results in discomfort and pain.  Many people who experience lower back pain also have corresponding tight hip flexor muscles.  It important to regularly stretch these muscles to help prevent lower back pain as well as keep normal function in the lumbar spine.  There are many different variations of hip flexor stretches out there.  I included a few basic variations that will help get you started (Pictured Below).  Try to hold these stretches for a minimum of 15 seconds, 2 times per day; and remember to always stretch both sides to keep things even. Also, getting spinal adjustments help keep these muscles loose so get your spines checked out by your chiropractor to make sure the spinal column and the hip flexor muscles are functioning correctly.

Good luck with the stretches,
See you guys again soon,
-Stand Up Chiropractic Team