Does crossing your legs cause low back pain?

Crossing legs excessively can contribute to low back pain due to the imbalance it creates in the muscles supporting the pelvis. When one side's hip-raising muscles shorten from prolonged crossing, it can misalign the vertebrae and compress nerves, leading to discomfort.

To assess and alleviate this issue:

- Alternate crossing legs to avoid overuse on one side.

- Check for tightness in the crossed leg's hip-raising muscle.

- Stretch the tight side gently to restore balance.

- Use a self-test involving standing with one leg on a book to gauge discomfort and flexibility differences between sides.

- Perform exercises to strengthen and stretch the affected muscles, such as lifting and lowering the opposite leg while keeping the knee locked.

Consistent practice of these exercises can relieve existing pain and prevent future issues by promoting muscle balance and pelvic alignment.