Skip to main content
Skip to main content
Physio Energy

Muscles

Iliocostalis lumborum

Erector spinae extending the lumbar spine; assists side bending.

Referred pain map

Iliocostalis lumborum
Iliocostalis lumborum — L1-level trigger point in the lateral lumbar paraspinals with referred pain down over the buttock and along the iliac crest.
Iliocostalis lumborum
Iliocostalis thoracis (T11 level) — thoracolumbar trigger point with pain radiating up along the mid-back and wrapping around to the anterior abdomen; useful reference for the adjacent thoracic portion of the erector spinae.

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
Share: