The Quadratus Lumborum (QL) is a deep abdominal muscle (Beil, 2010). It originates at the posterior iliac crest and attaches to the twelfth rib and transverse processes of the lumbar spine. It is often the number reason for back pain. Overuse, stress and strain are the general cause of issues with the QL. Sitting and standing for long periods of time contribute to pain from this muscle and often incorrect repetitive motion such as twisting, bending or lifting incorrectly will exacerbate a weak or tight QL muscle.
Actions
When do you use the QL?
A Weak or Tight QL can cause:
Actions
- Aids Forced exhalation by fixing the last rib during coughing
- Helps extend the spine
- Laterally elevates the pelvis – it helps hitch the hip upwards
- Laterally flexes vertebral column – involved in side bends
When do you use the QL?
- Raising up from a side lying position
- Hitching the hip upwards
- Ballroom dancing / salsa dancing
- Various yoga poses engage the QL i.e. triangle, tree pose
A Weak or Tight QL can cause:
- Misalignment or imbalances in the hips, ribs which can result in pain
- Pain felt in the hips, buttocks or thighs
- Sacroiliac Joint Pain
- Lower Back Pain
- Abdominal Pain
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