The hamstring muscles run along the back of your thighs to behind your knees. They connect to the bottom of your pelvis. If you have tight hamstrings, you will probably notice a consistent, downward, pull on your pelvis. And because the pelvis is the foundation of your lower back and spine, tight hamstring muscles contribute to lower back instability. This instability, in turn, can lead to greater risk of intermittent strains.
How do you know if you have tight hamstrings? A simple way of evaluating whether or not you have short or tight hamstring muscles is to lie flat on your back and have someone slowly raise one leg. Make sure that your leg is completely relaxed. Do not use your own muscles to help lift the leg. Generally, if your leg can be raised 90 degrees from the ground (straight up towards the ceiling) without any major tightness anywhere along your hamstrings from behind your knee to your pelvis, your hamstrings are of an appropriate length. However, if you start to feel tightness before 90 degrees, it is a good signal that you need to stretch (and often). .
If you have chronic low back pain, try stretching those hamstring muscles on a daily basis for a few months. Even if you don’t have lower back problems, stretching the hamstring muscles every day will help to keep your lower back and pelvis stable and balanced.
The Better Life Experts | May 11, 2009
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