Posture

Understanding Quadriceps Tightness for Pain Relief

Share

“For individuals with lower back pain, it could be quadricep muscle tightness causing the symptoms and posture problems. Can knowing the signs of quadricep tightness help prevent pain and avoid injury?”

Quadriceps Tightness

Quadriceps muscles are in the front of the thigh. Forces that could be creating chronic pain and posture problems could be happening at the same time are:

  • Quadricep tightness causes lower back pain as the pelvis gets pulled down.
  • Tight quadriceps lead to weakened hamstring muscles.
  • These are the opposing muscles behind the thigh.
  • Stress and pressure on the hamstrings can cause back pain and problems.
  • Pelvic alignment becomes affected, causing posture problems and increased pain symptoms. (Sai Kripa, Harmanpreet Kaur, 2021)

Quadriceps Tightness Pulls the Pelvis Down

One of the four muscles in the quadriceps group:

  • The rectus femoris attaches to the pelvis at the anterior superior iliac spine, which is the front part of the hip bone.
  • The rectus femoris is the only muscle in the group that crosses over the hip joint, which also affects movement.
  • When the quadriceps, especially the rectus femoris, become tight, they pull down on the hips.
  • The pelvis tilts downward or forward, technically referred to as the anterior tilt of the pelvis. (Anita Król et al., 2017)
  • The spine is between the pelvis, and if the pelvis tilts forward, the lumbar spine compensates by arching.
  • A larger arch in the lower back is referred to as excessive lordosis and often causes tightness and pain in the back muscles. (Sean G. Sadler et al., 2017)

Hamstring Compensation

  • When the quadriceps tighten and the pelvis gets pulled down, the back has an abnormal lift. This puts the hamstring on a consistent stretch that can cause pain symptoms.
  • Healthy posture and hamstring muscle tone help maintain correct pelvic positioning in the back.
  • This is correct because it helps maintain a comfortable position.
  • Quadricep tightness can set off a reaction as the pelvis tilts down in front and up in the back while overly stretching the hamstrings.
  • Pain and soreness are the usual result
  • Lack of hamstring strength and quadriceps stretching can cause the hamstrings to lose their ability to support correct pelvic and spinal positions. (American Council on Exercise. 2015)

Knowing When Quads Are Tightening

  • Individuals often don’t realize their quadriceps are tight, especially those who spend most of the day sitting.
  • The more time spent in a chair can cause the quadriceps and lower back muscles to tighten steadily.

Individuals can try a few tests at home:

Standing Up

  • Push the hips forward.
  • Push from the sitting bones so you’re at the correct level.
  • How far forward do the hips go?
  • What is felt?
  • Pain could indicate tight quadriceps.

In A Lunge Position

  • With one leg forward and bent in front of the other.
  • The back leg is straight.
  • How far forward does the leg go?
  • What is felt?
  • How does the front of the hip on the back leg feel?

Standing Bent Leg

  • Stand with the front leg bent and the back leg straight.
  • Discomfort in the back leg could mean tight quadriceps.

In A Kneeling Position

  • Arch the back
  • Grab the ankles
  • Modify the position to adjust for any pain or joint issues.
  • If you have to prop yourself up or modify the pose to reduce pain, it could be tight quadriceps.
  1. Helping to understand the condition can help in communication with a healthcare provider.
  2. A healthcare provider and/or physical therapist can conduct a posture evaluation examination to test the quadriceps.

Understanding Academic Low Back Pain: Impact and Chiropractic Solutions


References

Kripa, S., Kaur, H. (2021). Identifying relations between posture and pain in lower back pain patients: a narrative review. Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy, 26(34). doi.org/doi: 10.1186/s43161-021-00052-w

Król, A., Polak, M., Szczygieł, E., Wójcik, P., & Gleb, K. (2017). Relationship between mechanical factors and pelvic tilt in adults with and without low back pain. Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, 30(4), 699–705. doi.org/10.3233/BMR-140177

Sadler, S. G., Spink, M. J., Ho, A., De Jonge, X. J., & Chuter, V. H. (2017). Restriction in lateral bending range of motion, lumbar lordosis, and hamstring flexibility predicts the development of low back pain: a systematic review of prospective cohort studies. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 18(1), 179. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-017-1534-0

American Council on Exercise. (2015). 3 Stretches for Opening Up Tight Hips (Fitness, Issue. www.acefitness.org/resources/everyone/blog/5681/3-stretches-for-opening-up-tight-hips/

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Understanding Quadriceps Tightness for Pain Relief" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Specialties: Stopping the PAIN! We Specialize in Treating Severe Sciatica, Neck-Back Pain, Whiplash, Headaches, Knee Injuries, Sports Injuries, Dizziness, Poor Sleep, Arthritis. We use advanced proven therapies focused on optimal Mobility, Posture Control, Deep Health Instruction, Integrative & Functional Medicine, Functional Fitness, Chronic Degenerative Disorder Treatment Protocols, and Structural Conditioning. We also integrate Wellness Nutrition, Wellness Detoxification Protocols and Functional Medicine for chronic musculoskeletal disorders. We use effective "Patient Focused Diet Plans", Specialized Chiropractic Techniques, Mobility-Agility Training, Cross-Fit Protocols, and the Premier "PUSH Functional Fitness System" to treat patients suffering from various injuries and health problems. Ultimately, I am here to serve my patients and community as a Chiropractor passionately restoring functional life and facilitating living through increased mobility. Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, functional strength training, functional medicine, and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries. We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional & Integrative Nutrition, Agility & Mobility Fitness Training and Cross-Fit Rehabilitation Systems for all ages. As an extension to dynamic rehabilitation, we too offer our patients, disabled veterans, athletes, young and elder a diverse portfolio of strength equipment, high-performance exercises and advanced agility treatment options. We have teamed up with the cities' premier doctors, therapist and trainers in order to provide high-level competitive athletes the options to push themselves to their highest abilities within our facilities. We've been blessed to use our methods with thousands of El Pasoans over the last 3 decades allowing us to restore our patients' health and fitness while implementing researched non-surgical methods and functional wellness programs. Our programs are natural and use the body's ability to achieve specific measured goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, un-wanted surgeries, or addictive drugs. We want you to live a functional life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain. Our goal is to ultimately empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living. With a bit of work, we can achieve optimal health together, no matter the age, ability or disability.

Published by

Recent Posts

Understanding Overpronation and its Impact on Foot Health

What are the treatment options for individuals dealing with foot overpronation when the foot and… Read More

Exploring the Causes and Treatment of Nerve Injuries

Can individuals with nerve injuries incorporate non-surgical treatments to reduce pain sensations and restore motor… Read More

Understanding the Lumbosacral Joint L5-S1: Anatomy and Function

For individuals trying to retrain their body movements for back health improvement, what is the… Read More

Pilates for Reducing Body Pain: Improve Your Mobility

Can individuals with body pain incorporate Pilates to reduce general aches and pains while strengthening… Read More

Understanding the Changing Sleep Patterns with Aging

Sleep is vital at all ages, but what is the amount of sleep for older… Read More

The Power of Turmeric for Maintaining Healthy Joints

Can individuals dealing with joint pain incorporate turmeric as part of their treatment to reduce… Read More

Unlocking Wellness: The Benefits of Recreation Therapy

Individuals who have been injured or ill or have a chronic disability may be having… Read More

Ways to Increase Vitamin C Levels and Boost Your Immune System

Can individuals incorporate ways to increase their vitamin C levels to boost their immune system… Read More

Can You Enjoy Pasta on a Cholesterol-Friendly Diet?

Can healthy noodle alternatives and heart-healthy ingredients help make cholesterol-friendly pasta dishes for individuals trying… Read More

The Science Behind Herniated Bulging Discs and MRI

How are MRIs used to help diagnose bulging and herniated discs and help healthcare providers… Read More

Uncovering the Secrets of Eucalyptus Tea

How is eucalyptus tea made, and what are its health benefits? Eucalyptus Tea Eucalyptus tea… Read More

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: Part 2

Can hormone replacement therapy provide relief by replenishing lost hormones in menopausal women and in… Read More