Treating Trigger Points in the Quadratus Lumborum

Quadratus Lumborum

Treating Trigger Points in the Quadratus Lumborum - Dr. Jonathan Kuttner M.D.

Lower Back Pain (LBP) and especially chronic LBP is often associated with trigger points in the Quadratus Lumborum (QL) muscles.

The QL is small muscle that punches way above its weight.

The QL laterally flexes the vertebral column; fixes the 12th rib during deep respiration (e.g. helps stabilize diaphragm for singers exercising voice control); and helps extend the lumbar part of the vertebral column, and provide it with lateral stability.

Being such an active muscle, trigger points form in the QL for a whole host of reasons including repetitive strain injuries brought on by common daily activities such as gardening, or housework.

Sleeping on soft or worn-out mattresses can be another common cause.

Trigger points in the QL are also typically associated with disc problems in the lower back, or facet or spinal joint issues (such as degeneration, sacroiliac joint issues, and spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis in the lumbar spine).

Referred Pain Patterns

Trigger points in the QL are known to create several “zones” of referred pain to the lower abdomen, sacroiliac joint (upper pole), lower buttock, lower back, upper hip, and greater trochanter.

Massage and Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy can work wonders for treating trigger points in the QL and may provide both short and long term relief from a number of painful conditions.

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This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.