The quadratus lumborum, or QL as it is commonly called, is located in the middle of the lower back. In my experience as a massage therapist, it is one of the main causes of lower back pain in those who sit for long periods of time, such as desk workers and drivers. Read on to learn more about quadratus lumborum hard to say easy to look after.
Where is QL?
The muscle starts at the pelvic crest and joins up at the ribs and vertebrae of the lumbar spine. Clinically, its main function is to help your torso bend sideways, fixes the 12th rib and aids in expiration of the lungs. Generally it stabilises the torso, particularly in people who have otherwise weak core muscles.
There are four possible trigger points in QL. Pain can refer into the buttocks but often is just local to the lower back region.
When treating QL, I generally use some myofascial release by hand or dry needling.
Manual myofascial release techniques might include some compression to the muscle while the patient is lying on their side. All other massage and needling requires the patient to be lying face down.
I also use some deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy if the client is receptive to it.
How can I care for quadratus lumborum?
Quadratus Lumborum may be hard to say but is easy to look after. Taking care of QL can mean a lot of relief from lower back pain.
Firstly, if possible, reducing the number of sitting hours will help. Getting up from your desk at regular intervals. Move around and stretch. Consider a standing or sit/stand work station that can help back pain dramatically.
Because of it’s deep nature, stretches to the QL can be awkward, but not impossible. A sideways bend of the waist will stretch the QL. It’s best to try and create as much space as you can between the pelvic crest (high hip bone) and the lower ribs.
There are also lots of great sideways bend and twists in yoga that will also help stretch QL.
Another way to help relieve lower back pain from sitting all day is to stretch through the thorax (midback) to take any pressure off the lower back.
A simple way to do this is to lie with a bolster or foam roller along the spine. Support your head and let your arm either rest by your side or stretch outwards. 10 minutes of rest or meditation in this position will help release the days compression of the spine.
