Quadratus Lumborum:the Culprit In Back Pain

Has anyone asked you how your Quadratus Lumborum was doing today? I doubt your bodyworker/massage therapist ever mentioned it in passing. Well, here is some information you should know. It arises by aponeurotic fibers from the iliolumbar ligament and the adjacent portion of the iliac crest for about 5cm., and is inserted into the lower border of the last 12th rib for about half its length, and by four small tendons into the aponeurosis of the four transverse processes of the lumbar vertabrae

So what does this all mean? Well, I guarantee you that if a knowledgeable therapist presses on the origins and insertions, you will probably experience some pain. What are its actions? It laterally flexes the lumbar vertebrae, really the side of the body, and creates a little bit of extension in the lower back. I have heard statistics that 65% of all back pain can be traced to the imbalances the Quadratus lumborum muscle. If I were looking for course in my quest for continuing education as a massage therapist, I would certainly search out a teacher who would inform me about how to deal with and balance the quadratus lumborum and its attachments to lumbar vertebrae and 12th rib. If there are imbalances there, they are placing pressure on the disc, if there's pressure on the disc, there is pressure on the nerve root, if there's pressure on the nerve root, than there is going to be a diminished signal and more than likely ischemic tissue and PAIN.

If I were looking for a massage continuing education course, I would certainly look for a teacher who would inform me about the mechanics of rebalancing the quadratus lumborum and its attachments. If these attachments are imbalanced, it will put pressure on the disc; if there's pressure on the disc, we can assume that there will be pressure on the nerve root; if there's pressure on the nerve root there will be a diminished signal and we will experience ischemic tissue and pain!

A massage continuing education course should do two things. The first should be to expand your knowledge base. The second should be your ability to raise your fees. Look for a teacher that can elevate your knowledge. You should leave the class with an entire new set of tools with which you can immediately use.

Learning how to deal with this pain, is learning how to deal with the quadratus lumborum. if I were wanting to satisfy my massage continuing education credits, I would look for a teacher who would simplify my abilities to deal with this very important muscle function. Then I would go to my community golfing centers, and advertise my ability to relieve their back pain challenges that they inevitably suffer due to their love of the sport.