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The quadratus lumborum (QL) is a muscle in the posterior abdominal wall, located deep inside the abdomen and considered a back muscle. It is an integral part of the thoracolumbar fascia, a myofascial system that covers the posterior trunk and involves parts of the lower and upper limbs. The QL is responsible for the stabilisation and movement of the spine and pelvis, and its complex organisation makes it challenging to precisely identify its actions through the contraction of its fibres.
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What You'll Learn
The quadratus lumborum is a deep abdominal muscle
The quadratus lumborum (QL) is a deep abdominal muscle, located in the lower back on either side of the lumbar spine. It is an integral part of the thoracolumbar fascia, a myofascial system that covers the posterior area of the human body, involving the lower and upper limbs. The QL is the deepest muscle of the posterior abdominal wall and is often mistakenly referred to as one of the muscles of the back. Its shape is irregular but generally quadrilateral, which is why it is described as "quadratus" in Latin.
The quadratus lumborum contributes to the stabilisation and movement of the spine and pelvis. When the muscle is contracted on one side, the trunk bends in that direction (lateral flexion). The QL also fixes the 12th rib during movements of the thoracic cage, supporting expiration. The muscle originates from the iliolumbar ligament and iliac crest and inserts on the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae and the 12th rib.
The QL is a common source of lower back pain, often due to overuse, stress, strain, or muscle fatigue from constant contraction during prolonged sitting. Poor posture, weak back muscles, and repetitive motions can also contribute to QL pain. This pain can spread to other areas of the body if left untreated, causing additional imbalances and misalignments. Treatment options for QL pain include heat and ice, painkillers or muscle relaxants, and trigger point injections.
The colon, kidneys, and diaphragm are located in front of the quadratus lumborum muscle, while the intrinsic back muscles lie dorsally. The iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves course on the muscle's ventral surface, and it is innervated by the subcostal nerve (T12) and anterior rami of spinal nerves L1-L4. The blood supply to the QL comes from branches of the lumbar, subcostal, median sacral, and iliolumbar arteries.
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It is a common source of lower back pain
The quadratus lumborum (QL) is the deepest abdominal muscle. It is located in the lower back on either side of the lumbar spine, starting at the lowest rib and ending at the top of the pelvis. It is an integral part of the thoracolumbar fascia, a myofascial system that covers the posterior area of the human body.
The quadratus lumborum is a common source of lower back pain. This is due to its role in stabilising and moving the spine and pelvis. When the muscle is overused, stressed, or strained, it can cause pain and stiffness. Sitting for long periods, for example, at a desk or in a car, can lead to muscle fatigue and decreased blood flow to the area. This can result in adhesions in the muscle and fascia, causing pain.
In addition, weak back muscles can cause the quadratus lumborum to compensate, leading to painful tension and stiffening of the muscle. This can also lead to improper twisting, bending, or lifting, creating more tension. The muscle can also become too tight if it has to overcompensate to stabilise the spine and pelvis.
Quadratus lumborum trigger points may cause a deep ache in the lower back or a stabbing pain in the hips or pelvis. These trigger points can also cause sharp pain when the muscle contracts during coughing or sneezing.
To prevent and treat quadratus lumborum pain, it is important to maintain good posture while sitting, standing, and driving. Exercises that focus on stretching and strengthening the area, such as side bends and stretches, can help release tension and engage the side muscles. Yoga, Pilates, and tai chi are also effective core strengtheners.
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It is part of the thoracolumbar fascia
The quadratus lumborum muscle is an integral part of the thoracolumbar fascia, a myofascial system that covers the posterior area of the human body, including the lower and upper limbs. The thoracolumbar fascia is a complex system of three layers of muscle fibres with different vectors, which makes it difficult to precisely identify the actions that occur through the contraction of the fibres.
The quadratus lumborum is a deep muscle of the posterior abdominal wall, lying deep inside the abdomen and dorsal to the iliopsoas. It is the deepest abdominal muscle and is often referred to as a back muscle. Its shape is irregular but generally quadrilateral, which is why it is described as "quadratus" in Latin.
The muscle is located laterally to the spine and attaches to the twelfth rib, which makes it important for stabilising the vertebral column and the rib during movements of the spine. The quadratus lumborum also connects the pelvis to the spine, allowing it to extend the lower back when contracting bilaterally. This muscle helps to stabilise the lumbar area and is capable of pelvic tilting and acting as an accessory muscle for inspiration.
The thoracolumbar fascia, including the quadratus lumborum, covers the posterior trunk and involves parts of the lower and upper limbs. The muscle works with the multifidus and erector spinae muscles to create an antagonist force to the muscles of the anterolateral abdomen wall. The erector spinae and multifidus muscles exert much greater forces than the quadratus lumborum during lumbar extension, which suggests that the quadratus lumborum may serve as a junction for forces exerted by neighbouring muscles, influencing the vectors of various tensions.
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It helps with the stabilisation and movement of the spine and pelvis
The quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle is a deep abdominal muscle, located in the lower back on either side of the lumbar spine. It is an integral part of the thoracolumbar fascia, a myofascial system that covers the posterior area of the human body, involving parts of the lower and upper limbs.
The QL muscle is responsible for stabilisation and movement of the spine and pelvis. It attaches to the twelfth rib and the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae, which helps to stabilise the vertebral column and the rib during various movements of the spine. When the QL muscle contracts on one side, the trunk bends in that direction (lateral flexion). This also fixes the twelfth rib, supporting expiration.
The QL muscle also plays a role in elevating the pelvis. When both muscles contract together, it results in an extension of the lumbar vertebral column. This bilateral contraction can be an extension of the lumbar spine, or a lateral tilt of the trunk. The QL muscle can also act as an accessory muscle for inspiration, assisting the diaphragm in inhalation.
The QL muscle is susceptible to pain and injury due to its role in stabilisation. Overuse, stress, and strain can lead to QL pain, which can affect physical well-being. Prolonged sitting, weak back muscles, and improper movements can contribute to tension and stiffness in the QL muscle. It is important to maintain good posture and practice proper lifting techniques to prevent QL pain and associated issues.
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It is located in the lower back, between the lowest rib and top of the pelvis
The quadratus lumborum (QL) is a muscle in the lower back, between the lowest (12th) rib and the top of the pelvis. It is the deepest muscle of the posterior abdominal wall and is often referred to as a back muscle. The QL is an integral part of the thoracolumbar fascia, a myofascial system that covers the posterior area of the human body, involving parts of the lower and upper limbs.
The QL muscle is responsible for the stabilisation and movement of the spine and the pelvis. It is a paired muscle, with one muscle on each side of the lumbar spine. The contraction of one of the pair of muscles causes lateral flexion of the lumbar spine, elevation of the pelvis, or both. When both muscles contract together, it results in the extension of the lumbar spine.
The QL muscle is flattened and has a quadrangular or quadrilateral shape. It originates from the iliac crest and iliolumbar ligament and inserts on the transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae 1 to 4 and the lower part of the 12th rib. The number of attachments to the vertebrae and the extent of its attachment to the last rib may vary.
The QL is a common source of lower back pain, as it is used for sitting, standing, and walking. Pain in this muscle can be due to overuse, stress, strain, or muscle fatigue from constant contraction due to prolonged sitting. It can also be caused by weak back muscles, which can lead to poor posture and improper twisting, bending, or lifting.
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Frequently asked questions
The quadratus lumborum (QL) is a deep abdominal muscle, located in the lower back on either side of the lumbar spine. It is the deepest muscle of the posterior abdominal wall.
The quadratus lumborum is positioned deep inside the abdomen, dorsal to the iliopsoas. It is located medially to the aponeurosis of the transverse abdominal muscle.
The quadratus lumborum contributes to the stabilization and movement of the spine and pelvis. It assists in extending the lumbar spine, fixing the 12th rib during inspiration, and elevating the pelvis.
The quadratus lumborum has an irregular, quadrilateral shape. It is a thick muscular sheet with three layers of muscle fibres that have different vectors.
The quadratus lumborum is a common source of lower back pain. Issues can arise due to overuse, stress, strain, or imbalances in the pelvis or spine, requiring the muscle to stabilize them.
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