fbpx

Quadratus Lumborum and Back Pain?

READ LATER - DOWNLOAD THIS POST AS PDF >> CLICK HERE <<

A recently published study in the Journal Spine titled, The relationships between low back pain and lumbar lordosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis found a strong relationship between LBP and decreased lumbar lordosis.1 Further, low back disc degeneration was shown to be substantially associated with the loss of lumbar curve.  Although it makes sense that flattening of lumbar curve would “stack” the vertebrae and destroy the back’s anti-gravity spring system, I’m doubtful about the relationship to back pain. Nevertheless, the importance of restoring lumbar lordosis is crucial for optimal spinal function.

The quadratus lumborum is one muscle that reduces lumbar lordosis and decreases the lumbosacral angle. When both sides of QL contract simultaneously, it causes the lumbar spine to extend. One-sided contraction either pulls the rib cage down to assist in respiration or it can aid in walking by hip-hiking the ipsilateral ilium during contralateral stance phase. Functionally, the QL is an active stabilizer of the spine. It is most active when performing exercises such as side planks.

In the following two techniques, I apply graded exposure stretching to relieve protective muscle guarding in the QL and iliocostalis lumborum. The goal of this routine is to create space between the shoulder and pelvic girdles. Restoring anti-gravity function may help slow the aging process of the intervertebral disc as demonstrated in the Journal Spine study.

Quadratus Lumborum Elbow Technique

  • With client lying on left side, legs extended, client’s right hand reaches overhead and grasps the therapy table
  • Therapist’s right elbow contacts lateral iliac crest and slowly sinks into QL and iliocostalis lumborum tissue
  • Client inhales while gently attempting to right sidebend the torso by pulling on the therapy table to the count of five then exhales and relaxes
  • Therapist’s elbow sinks to the new restrictive barrier (toward spine) and client repeats the sidebending routine above

Repeat 3 to 5 times

Graded exposure stretch for quadratus lumborum and iliocostalis lumborum

  • Positioned in a lateral recumbent position, client grasps top of therapy table with her right extended leg   hanging off therapy table
  • Therapist’s hands grasp client’s hip and he drops his body weight to traction the lateral side of her body
  • Client inhales and pulls up on the therapy table to a count of 5 and relaxes
  • Therapist slowly increases traction to new restrictive barrier

Repeat 3 to 5 times

Note: These graded exposure techniques work with the nervous system to relieve protective muscle guarding

Notes:

1. http: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28476690

Check out these techniques and more in ourArt of MAT Home-Study

Click for more information

 

Special Savings this week only!

Save 25% off the "Myoskeletal Mobilization Massage Course" 

 

NEW! Enhanced video USB format

Join Erik Dalton as he takes you on a step-by-step journey teaching you an efficient and effective method for assessing and correcting flexibility mobility issues we see every day in our practices. You will learn a full body routine that involves prone, sidelying, supine, and bench work. Follow along as Erik demonstrates how to use this as a stand alone routine or easily integrate the individual techniques into your massage practice.

Sale ends Monday May 6th.  Click the button below for more information and to purchase the course for CE hours and a certificate of completion to display in your office.  Bonus: Purchase the home study course and receive the eLearning course for FREE!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Free subscription to the Technique Tuesday Newsletter

Receive an in-depth article like the one on this page along with a technique video every week in your inbox with no subscription fees.