Two of the tightest things on this planet are Ebenezer Scrooge and my hamstrings. Unfortunately, I’m in good company. Studies show that many people have tight hamstrings, with some even indicating that more than half of us share that dubious distinction. Tight muscles on the back of your thighs can be very problematic—for your back.
Hamstring tightness can directly affect your lumbopelvic rhythm. This can lead to movement restrictions and postural asymmetry, which can, in turn, force you to compensate for these limitations and structural challenges. Who or what gets to do that? Why, your poor little back, that’s what. In short, your body is working against itself. Painful backs account for some of the highest percentages of people living with disabilities, and I suspect that hamstring muscles don’t get enough of the credit—or the blame.
