Lower Crossed Syndrome
Lower-Crossed Syndrome (LCS) is also referred to as distal or pelvic crossed syndrome. In LCS, tightness of the thoracolumbar extensors on the dorsal side crosses with tightness of the iliopsoas and rectus femoris. Weakness of the deep abdominal muscles ventrally crosses with weakness of the gluteus maximus and medius. This pattern of imbalance creates joint dysfunction, particularly at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 segments, SI joint, and hip joint. Specific postural changes seen in LCS include anterior pelvic tilt, increased lumbar lordosis, lateral lumbar shift, lateral leg rotation, and knee hyperextension. If the lordosis is deep and short, then imbalance is predominantly in the pelvic muscles; if the lordosis is shallow and extends into the thoracic area, then imbalance predominates in the trunk muscles (Janda 1987).
From Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach Human Kinetics Publishers





{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Can you email me a Anatomy/Physioloy treatment for postural pattterns of lower crossed syndrome affecting different regions
of the body in the form of a pamphlet. Also 5 muscles it affect
with origin and insertion.Also explain howpostural habits or
activity can strain the muscles and lead to pain and dysfunction
.Note which muscles are overactive and which are underactive.
Describe stretches (2) postural awareness exercises (1) massage
strokes(1) and other self-care activities(1) that can help
You can find that information in the textbook, Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance”, available here: http://www.jandacrossedsyndromes.com/
Love this short and sweet description of Lower Crossed Syndrome; a great visual tool for clients experiencing problems from any of these symptoms and why we are using the exercises that we are!
Great site! Can you have both upper crossed and lower crossed syndrome at the same time? I think I might have both, but the upper-crossed syndrome is worse.
Yes, it’s possible to have both upper and lower crossed syndromes at the same time. Dr. Janda referred to this as Layer Syndrome http://www.jandaapproach.com/the-janda-approach/jandas-syndromes/.
It’s representative of long-standing dysfunction.