What pain and symptoms are associated with the quadratus lumborum?
- Pain in the low back, constant deep aching even at rest
- Pain in the hips and buttocks
- Groin pain
- Pelvic pain
- Pain down the front of the thigh
- Low abdominal pain
- Stabbing back and or abdominal pain when coughing or sneezing
Where is the Quadratus Lumborum muscle?
The quadratus lumborum is a low back muscle that connects the hip bone and lower back vertebrae to the 12th rib.
What movements does the quadratus lumborum muscle control?
- Side bending the trunk
- Straightening of the spine (standing straight)
- Stabilizes low back
- Helps to raise the hip when you lift your thigh
- Assists other muscles when you exhale
Activities that cause quadratus lumborum pain and symptoms:
- Lifting heavy objects
- Twisting while lifting
- Sleeping on a mattress that is too soft
- Leg length discrepancy – one leg shorter than other. This can be the way you were born or due to injury. It is often seen after a leg has been in a cast or splint.
- The QL muscles are often affected when you slip and or fall
Interesting facts about the quadratus lumborum:
- Known as the ‘hip hiker’ muscle’ because it is the muscle that raises the hip.
- Pain from the quadratus lumborum can be paralyzing. It brings sharp knife like pain to the lower back area. Turning over in bed and trying to stand from a sitting position can almost bring tears to the eyes.
- People who have one hip noticeably higher than the other are usually experiencing problems with the quadratus lumborum.
