Persistent lower back pain? It may not be a hernia — but a specific muscle

It was by treating a deep muscle—the psoas—that the pain finally subsided.

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints in modern society. Many people are diagnosed with a herniated disc and believe that they will have to live with the pain forever. However, the hernia is not always the only (or the main) cause of the problem.

This was the case of a client who, despite having a confirmed diagnosis of lumbar hernia , did not find relief with conventional treatments and only improved when we worked on a little-known but fundamental muscle: the psoas .

The case: a pain that, this time, did not go away

This client had already suffered from a bout of lower back pain months earlier . At the time, he recovered well in just one week with chiropractic sessions. But this time, even after going back to chiropractic, the pain had persisted for four weeks, with some temporary relief but no recovery.

Maintaining a good movement routine with Pilates and physical exercise was also not enough to alleviate the pain, which worsened whenever I spent too much time sitting or standing — something that was difficult to avoid both at work and in my daily life.

It was at this point that he decided to try a different approach.

The discovery: the psoas as a key piece

During the assessment, I identified tension patterns consistent with a tight psoas — a very common condition in those who spend hours sitting or standing for long periods.

The psoas is a deep muscle that connects the lower back to the legs. When it is shortened or tight, it can pull the lower back forward, increase compression in the area , and even worsen hernia symptoms — even if it is not the primary cause of the pain.

In this case, despite the presence of a hernia, it was clear that what was really causing the pain was the muscle, and not the spine itself .

The therapeutic approach

I used a therapeutic combination adapted to your case:

• Myofascial release with a pain-free method , focusing on the psoas and related structures;

• Craniosacral Therapy , to relieve the nervous system and facilitate postural rebalancing;

• Therapeutic massage , to relieve compensatory tensions;

• Moxibustion , to improve circulation and deeply relax the lower back.

  
  

After two sessions , the client reported a clear improvement in pain and stiffness. We were on the right track!

With the continuation of the sessions, he fully recovered his mobility and without lower back pain or discomfort, even after long periods of sitting at work.

Pain doesn't always come from where we think

Even with a hernia diagnosis, pain may be related to muscle tension or chronic postural patterns . When the root cause is understood and treated, recovery can eventually occur.

If you have lower back pain that won't go away...

...even with exercise, good habits and previous treatments, the origin of the pain may not yet have been identified.

If you feel like you've tried everything but are still struggling with lower back pain, a different approach can make all the difference! My name is Cátia Rodrigues and I am a therapist specializing in Therapeutic Massage, Craniosacral Therapy and Myofascial Release.

If you are looking for a personalized approach that goes beyond the usual massage, I am available for assessment and treatments that help identify and treat the true source of your pain.

Book your session and take the first step towards recovering your well-being!