The quadratus lumborum muscle is one of the most common muscles to cause back pain. This muscle runs from the last rib and the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae down to the top of the pelvis on each side.
If you have pain on only one side and commonly sit alot without good back support your pain my be arising from your QL muscle. Check with your doctor to confirm this however because your pain may be arising from another muscle or something else altogether.
Pain from this muscle typically travels down to the SI joint (sacro-iliac) and lower buttocks. Also pain can often be felt around the top of the pelvis and in the groin and lower abdomen on that side.
One good stretch to do often is to lie on your side with your back towards the side of the bed. Extend your top leg back and down towards the floor. Then turn your upper body slightly in the other direction while reaching up with your upside arm. Hanging that upper leg off the side of the bed will help increase the stretch. Having someone help assist the stretch as in the picture may help facilitate more stretch also.
This muscle may be easier stretched or treated by your
chiropractor. And be careful, if you are in a lot of pain, you may not be able to do the stretch for the QL’s.
If you have severe pain in your back or have a disc condition such as herniated disc, bulged disc, or degenerative disc, see your chiropractor or spinal decompression specialist for advice or treatment.
CT Spine and Disc Center is located in central Connecticut- Specializing in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call us at 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompressionAdditional Reading Resources:
