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The psoas muscle is a long, ribbon-shaped muscle that starts at the lower back and runs through the pelvis to the top of the femur (thigh bone). It is a core muscle that helps connect the upper body to the lower body, joining the spine to the pelvis and thigh bones. The psoas muscle is essential for maintaining correct lumbar posture, hip joint stability, and facilitating movement while walking and running. Psoas syndrome, a rare condition caused by muscle irritation or injury, can result in symptoms similar to arthritis or sacroiliitis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name origin | Ancient Greek: ψόᾱ, romanized: psóā, meaning 'muscle of the loin' |
| Muscle type | paraspinal, core muscle |
| Muscle shape | long, thick, ribbon-shaped, fusiform |
| Muscle location | lateral lumbar region between the vertebral column and the brim of the lesser pelvis, deep in the body |
| Muscle composition | superficial and deep parts, anaerobic and aerobic fibres |
| Muscle function | static and dynamic, stabilises the femoral head, assists with hip and upper leg movement, maintains posture, supports back health |
| Muscle attachments | iliopubic eminence, femur, lumbar vertebrae L1–L5, last thoracic vertebra, lumbar vertebrae L1–L4, intervertebral discs, iliacus muscle |
| Muscle innervation | anterior rami of L1–L4 nerves, genitofemoral nerve, lumbar plexus, femoral nerve |
| Muscle blood supply | lumbar arteries from the aorta, renal arteries, common iliac artery, deep circumflex iliac artery |
| Related conditions | psoas syndrome, lower back pain, mood and stress disorders |
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What You'll Learn
- The psoas muscle is a long, ribbon-shaped muscle that starts in the lower back
- It combines with the iliacus muscle to form the iliopsoas muscle
- The psoas muscle is a stabiliser muscle in your inner core
- Psoas injuries are rare but can be treated with physical therapy and corticosteroid shots
- The psoas muscle is involved in metabolic function and mood and stress disorders
The psoas muscle is a long, ribbon-shaped muscle that starts in the lower back
The psoas muscle has two segments, one on each side of the body, allowing it to assist with both unilateral and bilateral motions. For example, unilateral contraction of the psoas muscle bends the trunk laterally, while bilateral contraction raises the trunk from a supine position to a sitting or standing position. The psoas muscle also helps with flexion and external rotation of the hip, contributing to hip abduction and hip extension.
The psoas muscle is among the most significant muscles that overlie the vertebral column. It is a fusiform muscle, meaning it has a slightly triangular shape, with the top being thinner and narrower than the bottom. The psoas muscle traditionally has a deep and superficial segment. The deep segment originates from the first four lumbar vertebrae, while the superficial segment originates from the lateral surface of the distal thoracic vertebrae and adjacent intervertebral discs.
The psoas muscle plays a crucial role in connecting the upper body to the lower body. It joins the spine to the pelvis and thigh bones, aiding in stabilising the lower back and facilitating movements such as pulling the upper body up when transitioning from lying down to a sitting position. The psoas muscle also assists in flexing and moving the hips, making it essential for maintaining balance and posture.
Psoas injuries are rare due to their deep location within the body. However, athletes who engage in sports that put a lot of force on their cores or hips are more susceptible to psoas-related injuries and strains. Psoas syndrome, a rare condition, can occur when the psoas muscle becomes irritated, often without a known cause, and can lead to symptoms similar to other conditions like arthritis or sacroiliitis.
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It combines with the iliacus muscle to form the iliopsoas muscle
The psoas muscle is a long, thick, fusiform muscle located in the lumbar region of the trunk, lateral to the lumbar vertebrae, and medial to the quadratus lumborum muscle. It is a paraspinal muscle located deep in the body, with one psoas muscle on either side of the spine. The psoas muscle is involved in various functions, including maintaining posture, moving the hips, and lifting the upper legs.
The psoas muscle combines with the iliacus muscle to form the iliopsoas muscle. The iliacus muscle has a fan-shaped triangular shape and occupies the internal iliac fossa. It originates in the upper two-thirds of the iliac fossa, on the medial edge of the iliac crest, and blends with the bundles of the quadratus lumborum muscle. The iliopsoas muscle has important fascial relationships in its lumbar abdominal portion, medial portion in the iliac fossa, and femoral portion in the lower limb.
The iliopsoas muscle is surrounded by the iliac fascia and runs across the iliopubic eminence through the muscular lacuna to its insertion on the lesser trochanter of the femur. The iliopsoas tendon lies deep to the fascia lata, sartorius, rectus femoris, and deep femoral artery. It is separated from the joint capsule of the hip by the iliac bursa.
The psoas major muscle contributes to flexion in the hip joint and assists with lateral flexion of the lumbar spine. It also helps with external rotation of the hip and stabilizes the femoral head within the acetabulum of the hip during the initial 15 degrees of movement. The psoas muscle is a dynamic and static muscle, functioning as a "front to back" muscle due to its placement in the body.
The psoas muscle receives its blood supply from various arteries, including the lumbar arteries from the aorta, renal arteries, common iliac artery, and deep circumflex iliac artery. It is innervated by branches of the lumbar plexus, specifically the anterior branches of spinal nerves L1-L3. The lumbar plexus is embedded within the psoas major muscle, and its branches emerge from the muscle's lateral border.
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The psoas muscle is a stabiliser muscle in your inner core
The psoas muscle is a long, ribbon-shaped muscle that runs from the lower back to the groin. There is one psoas muscle on either side of the spine, starting just below the ribs and ending near the hips at the top of the femur. The psoas muscle is a stabiliser muscle in your inner core, connecting your upper body to your lower body. It joins your spine to your pelvis and thigh bones, helping to stabilise your lower back and hips.
The psoas muscle is one of the core muscles in your abdomen and is essential for correct sitting and standing posture. It helps to hold your lower back stable when sitting or standing, and assists with flexion and external rotation of the hip. The psoas muscle also plays a role in hip abduction and adduction, as well as trunk elevation when transitioning from a supine position to sitting or standing.
The psoas muscle has two segments, one on each side of the body, allowing it to assist with both unilateral and bilateral motions. For example, unilateral contraction of the psoas muscle bends the trunk laterally, while bilateral contraction raises the trunk from its supine position. The psoas muscle is also involved in metabolic function and has been implicated in mood and stress disorders as a cause of low back pain.
The psoas muscle is deep inside the body and is surrounded by other muscles, nerves, and joints. This makes it difficult to diagnose the exact cause of pain or stiffness in the lower back and hip region. Psoas syndrome, an injury or irritation of the psoas muscle, is rare but can occur, especially in athletes whose sports involve a lot of force on the core or hips. It can also be a secondary injury in people with other conditions affecting the hip, such as arthritis.
To prevent psoas muscle injuries, it is important to stretch and warm up before exercise and increase overall flexibility. Improving core strength and stability can also help protect the psoas muscle.
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Psoas injuries are rare but can be treated with physical therapy and corticosteroid shots
The psoas muscle is a long, ribbon-shaped muscle located in the lower back area of the spine. It starts at the lower back, just below the ribs, and runs through the pelvis to the top of the femur (thigh bone). It plays an important role in back health and is essential for correct lumbar posture, stability of the hip joint, and during walking and running. Psoas injuries are rare due to their location deep inside the body. However, athletes whose sports put a lot of force on their cores or hips are more likely to experience psoas injuries.
Psoas syndrome is a rare condition that causes significant pain and functional impairment. It can be caused by overuse, muscle tightness, muscle weakness, or trauma. The most common treatments for psoas syndrome are rest, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections. Physical therapy can help modify your posture when sitting, exercising, or performing other physical activities to prevent further irritation of the psoas muscle. Your physical therapist might prescribe a core stabilization program to strengthen your core muscles and improve your range of motion.
In addition to physical therapy, corticosteroid injections are often used to treat psoas syndrome. These injections can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. However, it is important to note that injections carry risks such as vascular or nerve injury, steroid reaction, and pain. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before undergoing any treatment.
Conservative management and therapies are typically the first line of treatment for psoas syndrome. This includes rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ice therapy, and activity modification. It is important to gradually increase your activity level and not to suddenly ramp up your training intensity. In rare and persistent cases of psoas syndrome, surgical tendon release may be considered.
Overall, while psoas injuries are rare, they can be effectively treated through a combination of physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and conservative management strategies. It is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
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The psoas muscle is involved in metabolic function and mood and stress disorders
The psoas muscle is a long, ribbon-shaped muscle that starts in the lower back, just below the ribs, and runs alongside the spine through the pelvis, ending near the hips at the top of the femur. There is one psoas muscle on either side of the spine. The psoas major muscle has a biomechanical and postural function and is involved in bending the hips, outward rotation of the thigh, and bending the trunk forward and to the sides.
The psoas muscle is also involved in metabolic function. It may influence the pelvic floor functions and the balance between pelvic floor movements and the rhythm of the diaphragm. The psoas muscle may also be involved in the venous and lymphatic drainage of the abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs.
The psoas muscle is associated with the fight-or-flight response, contracting in preparation for self-defensive action or when the body senses danger. This makes the psoas muscle significant when it comes to survival. Chronic stress or trauma can lead to a constant state of activation in the psoas muscle, impacting structural balance, alignment, and internal organ functions. A tightened psoas muscle can cause lower back pain, hip joint issues, cramping in the pelvis, and impaired mobility, which can negatively affect posture and cause discomfort during physical activity.
Additionally, tension in the psoas muscle can lead to inflammation, impinged nerves and tendons, and shallow breathing, resulting in a range of symptoms such as disrupted sleep, digestive disorders, and a general sense of unease. The tension in the psoas muscle may also contribute to anxiety by signalling to the brain that the body is in a state of alert.
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Frequently asked questions
The psoas muscle is a long, ribbon-shaped muscle located in the lumbar region of the back. It starts at the lower back and runs through the pelvis to the top of the femur.
The psoas muscle is a core stabiliser muscle that connects the upper body to the lower body. It helps with lateral motions and bilateral motions, such as trunk elevation when transitioning from lying down to sitting or standing.
Psoas injuries are rare but can occur during sports that put a lot of force on the core or hips. To prevent psoas injuries, it is important to stretch and warm up before exercise and increase overall flexibility.
Psoas syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when the psoas muscle is irritated or injured. Symptoms include lower back pain, stiffness, and pain when changing positions, such as moving from sitting to standing.
