Muscles
Quadratus lumborum
One of the most common muscular sources of low back pain — deep, hard-to-localize pain that worsens with standing.
Overview
Runs from the 12th rib and lumbar transverse processes to the iliac crest. Side-bends the lumbar spine, hikes the hip, stabilizes the pelvis during breathing. Frequent silent contributor to chronic low back pain.
Trigger point locations
Superficial points along the iliac crest and 12th rib attachment, plus deeper points medially along the lumbar transverse processes.
Referred pain pattern
Iliac crest, sacroiliac joint area, greater trochanter, sometimes lower abdominal pain. Often described as a deep, dull lumbar ache.
Palpation & testing
Side-lying with the upper arm overhead to open the flank. Palpate between the 12th rib and the iliac crest, lateral to the paraspinals.
Common causes
Leg length discrepancy, asymmetric loading, sustained sitting in a twisted position, lifting with rotation.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Side-bend stretches over a foam roller, address pelvic asymmetry, diaphragmatic breathing. Clinically: needling, lateral decubitus manual release.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons, Vol. 2