Psoas Syndrome

          Psoas syndrome is a rare and often misdiagnosed painful condition that occurs when the psoas muscle in the lower back is tight or in spasm. The psoas muscle connects the lumbar spine to the hip joint. It is a very long muscle that runs from the lower spine and pelvis to the leg. The psoas muscle is used while walking. The job of the psoas muscle is to flex the hip joint and lift the upper leg towards the body.

                           What Are the Symptoms of Psoas Syndrome?

           Psoas syndrome causes many symptoms. Many are fairly general and may be related to other conditions. This is one of the reasons Psoas syndrome is often misdiagnosed. Symptoms of Psoas syndrome include:

• Backache

• Pain when sitting or getting up from a sitting position

• Pain when you try to stand fully upright

• Pain in the hip, groin or pelvis

• Pain radiating down the leg

• Limping while walking

   If you have these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor. Some of these symptoms may indicate other, more serious medical conditions, and your doctor may want to investigate and rule them out before diagnosing psoas syndrome.

              The psoas is in the front, so how can it cause back pain?

      The psoas attaches to the facet joints of the lumbar spine. If your psoas muscle is tight, it can put pressure on your facet joints, creating shearing forces on your lower spine and straining the lower discs. A tense psoas muscle can change your posture, which can affect your pelvis and cause pain in your sacroiliac joint.

                       What Causes Psoas Syndrome?

     Psoas dysfunction can occur as a result of chronic low back or hip problems. If your spine is unstable, your body begins to strain other muscles, such as the psoas, to keep you stable. This can overstress your psoas muscle. Psoas syndrome can also occur if you strain the muscles during sports.

         Psoas syndrome can affect many people, but it will most likely be a problem for athletes and runners. High-energy, high-impact activities like jumping can trigger psoas syndrome

                      How is psoas syndrome diagnosed?

   Diagnosis is usually made clinically when your doctor listens to your symptoms and examines your spine, hips, and legs. Diagnosis can be confirmed by imaging studies. Your doctor may order other tests to rule out more worrisome conditions.

                 How Do You Treat Psoas Syndrome?

       Psoas syndrome is usually treated with massage, ultrasound and physiotherapy. Your physical therapist will often manipulate and stretch your spine, hips, and psoas muscles. You may need to do regular exercise at home to stretch and strengthen your psoas muscle. The underlying cause of the psoas spasm should also be addressed. To stop overusing the psoas, you need to retrain your stabilizing muscles (transversus abdominis and pelvic floor). Your physical therapist can teach you how to better develop your spine-stabilizing muscles.

      If physiotherapy, pain relievers and muscle relaxants do not help, psoas injection can be applied with ultrasonography for stubborn psoas muscles. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and adherence to an exercise program, most people regain a full range of motion and return to their normal activities.