Lower crossed syndrome overview describes tight hip flexors and lumbar extensors with weakness of which muscles?

• A. Trapezius and rhomboids.
• B. Calf muscles.
• C. Quadriceps.
• D. Deep abdominal and gluteal muscles.

Answer: (D)

Lower crossed syndrome shows an imbalance around the pelvis and lower spine: the hip flexors and lumbar extensors are tight, while the deep abdominal muscles and the gluteal muscles are weak. The deep abdominal muscles (like the transverse abdominis) help stabilize the spine from the inside, and the gluteal muscles (gluteus maximus and gluteus medius) stabilize the pelvis and control hip movement. When these stabilizers are weak, the body relies more on the tight hip flexors and lumbar extensors, creating the characteristic forward tilt of the pelvis and increased lower back curve. That’s why the weak, stabilizing muscles are the deep abdomen and the glutes. The other options don’t fit this pattern, as they involve different muscle groups not central to this stabilizer-weakness pattern.