In Lower Cross Syndrome, which muscle group is tight?

• A. Hip flexors
• B. Erector spinae
• C. Rectus abdominis
• D. Gluteus medius

Answer: (A)

Lower Cross Syndrome is a pattern of muscle imbalance where the front of the pelvis tilts forward because the hip flexors and the lumbar extensors are tight, while the abdominal and gluteal muscles are weak. Prolonged sitting shortens the hip flexors (like the iliopsoas and rectus femoris), pulling the pelvis into anterior tilt. This tilting increases the curve of the lower back (lumbar lordosis) and often leads to compensatory spine extension, contributing to low back pain. The tight group driving this pattern is the hip flexors—their shortening starts the imbalance and maintains the anterior tilt. The abdominal and gluteal muscles tend to be underactive rather than tight, which fits the opposite side of the imbalance.