"Identifying Tight Hamstrings as the Cause of Low Back Pain: 5 Effective Ways to Relieve Tension"

Tight hamstrings can contribute to low back pain by pulling the pelvis out of alignment and straining the deep back muscles. To determine if your hamstrings are tight, you can perform tests like the passive forward fold and the active straight leg raise. Factors like genetics, prolonged sitting, insufficient stretching, injury, and limited movement can all contribute to tight hamstrings. Not stretching the hamstrings properly can lead to potential injuries and strain on other parts of the body. Effective hamstring stretches include reclined single-leg hamstring stretch, swinging leg touches, and box hang. In addition to stretching, self-myofascial release methods like foam rolling and massage can help loosen tight hamstrings. The time it takes to loosen tight hamstrings depends on the cause, ranging from several months for injury-related tightness to regular maintenance for tight and rigid muscles.