Low Back Pain Caused by the Quadratus Lumborum

Dr. Benjamin Larson Lunn Chiropractor Tallahassee, FL

Dr. Benjamin Lunn is a Chiropractor practicing in Tallahassee, FL. Dr. Lunn specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system, while improving each patients functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include sciatica, neck pain, and arthritis pain,... more

The majority of cases of low back pain can be attributed to a misalignment within the spine or pelvis, poor postural habits, or disc irritation. However, sometimes the root cause of the pain is predominantly muscular, particularly in the muscle known as the quadratus lumborum, or QL for short. The QL is a large muscle that spans from the iliac crest, or top of the hip complex, up to the 11th and 12th ribs and every vertebra in between. Its primary muscle action is lateral bending, and it also helps stabilize the core during daily activities. This large muscle has a tendency to go into a spasm and form trigger points because of overuse or chronic abnormal posture, which in turn leads to dull, achy lower back pain.

Often times, patients with this primary issue will see a chiropractor for several visits and see significant improvement in low back pain, but they can never quite alleviate it 100%. This is why it is so important for patients to be proactive with their own spinal health, because stretching and exercising the lower back muscles in between chiropractic visits can be the final step in achieving full relief. By stretching and strengthening the low back and core musculature, patients can see not only a reduction in pain, but also an improvement of function and flexibility.