Origin
Insertion
Nerves
Artery
The quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle is located in the deep and posterior, lateral and inferior areas of the spine, involving the iliac crest, the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae and the 12th rib.
The QL muscle is flattened and has a quadrangular shape along with the multifidus and erector spinae muscles. It is located superficially to the psoas major and medially to the aponeurosis of the transverse abdominal muscle, and it is the deepest muscle of the posterior abdominal wall.
Its muscular organization is complex, and it is an integral part of the thoracolumbar fascia, a myofascial system that covers the broad posterior area of the human body.
QL comprises three superficial, intermediate and posterior layers with muscle fibers that have different vectors, which make it possible to recognize a precise pattern of orientation of the QL fibers.
CLINICAL ASSOCIATIONS
The quadratus lumborum muscles can be the source of back pain when overused, or in association with scoliosis or weak gluteal muscles.
Back pain
Often in the case of a habitual sitting as in office occupations, the QLs compensate for slackness of the lower fibers of the erector spinae muscles that have become weak or inhibited. Given their comparable mechanical disadvantage, constant contraction while seated can overuse the QLs, resulting in muscle fatigue or muscle spasm.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis posture can place greater stress on the QLs by shifting the body weight forward. In this position the erector spinae, QLs, multifidus and the levator scapulae muscles are forced to work harder in both seated and standing positions to maintain an erect torso and neck.
Weak gluteal muscles
Hip abduction is performed primarily by the gluteus medius and minimus muscles. When the gluteus medius/minimus muscles are weak or inhibited, the TFL (tensor fasciae latae muscle) or QL will compensate by becoming the prime mover.
The mechanism of weak gluteal muscles leads to an impaired movement pattern. For example, the QL initiates the movement of walking, which results in a pelvic lateral tilt during the swing phase of one’s gait.
The anatomy literature describes the quadratus lumborum muscle as an extensor of the lumbar spine, a stabilizer of the lumbar area, capable of tilting laterally and of acting as an inspiratory accessory muscle.
Generally, the QL muscle helps to create an antagonist force compared to the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall.
Bilateral contraction
Ipsilateral contraction
The Core Structure & Function
Mentor Exercise Review
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The Spine & Neck – Back Muscles Lectures – Part 2
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The Spine & Neck – Back Muscles Lectures – Part 1
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The Pelvis & Posterior Abdominal Wall Lectures –
Part 2
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The Pelvis & Posterior Abdominal Wall Lectures –
Part 1
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The Core Structure & Function Lectures – Part 2
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The Core Structure & Function Lectures – Part 1
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