Alison Odey

Quite a name isn’t it, and one that doesn’t mean much to many people at
all. However most will know the pain it causes when it chooses to go into spasm.
This muscle has often been considered to be the most frequent cause of
low back pain.
The Quadratus Lumborum can cause excruciating pain in the lower back when standing unsupported, walking, twisting, rising from sitting, turning over in bed, coughing or sneezing and can also be the cause of pain in the gall bladder area, the lower abdominal area or to the hip, which can range from an aching gnawing pain to a severe, sharp jab. I have seen several misdiagnoses of gall bladder or hernial involvement arising from problems with this muscle that have cost the sufferers many dollars!!

Because of its anatomical position, spasm of the Quadratus Lumborum can also
affect breathing.

If overlooked as the original source of back pain over a long period of time, other muscles of the back will become involved as will the sciatic nerve and pain can become constant and debilitating.

Sufferers will often complain of tiredness, heaviness of the legs, cramping of calf muscles and burning sensations in the legs and feet.

Happily, this muscle can be released relatively easily by a competent Osteopath. If combined with a general balancing treatment of the entire spine, relief can often be quite wonderful.
Make an appointment.

Don’t ignore back pain, it is the biggest cause of lost work hours in this
country and in most cases is easily treated. See page on ‘Back Pain – General notes’