Muscles
Iliocostalis lumborum
Erector spinae extending the lumbar spine; assists side bending.
Overview
Erector spinae extending the lumbar spine; assists side bending. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Lateral lumbar paraspinal column.
Referred pain pattern
Lower back pain along the iliac crest, sometimes wrapping to the lower abdomen.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Prolonged sitting, repetitive bending, asymmetric loading.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Trunk mobility, hip hinge retraining. Clinically: needling, manual release.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction