Psoas Major and Quadratus Lumborum Muscles: Common Causes of Lower Back Pain
Hi, I’m Dr. Jang, and many of our clinic’s patients complain of back pain. Lower back pain can be incredibly uncomfortable and make it difficult to move, whether sitting or lying down. Tight back muscles are typically the root cause of these problems. While muscles naturally contract and relax, sustained contraction can lead to pain and impaired movement.
Two muscles that commonly experience this issue are the Psoas major and Quadratus lumborum muscles. The Psoas muscle attaches to the Lumbar vertebrae, while the Quadratus lumbar muscle covers the Psoas. These muscles allow us to bend our backs and lift our legs, but when they are problematic, bending or walking can be uncomfortable.
Many patients try various treatments to alleviate their back pain, but I find that acupuncture is the most effective. As previously mentioned, the Psoas muscle requires treatment, but it is deep within the body, making it difficult to stimulate it from the skin’s surface through massage or electric patch treatments. Strong pressure on the skin could rupture other fascia, resulting in even more pain. However, since acupuncture uses needles, we can control the stimulation’s intensity based on how long the needle remains in the body, resulting in minimal side effects and more effective treatment. Additionally, contraction of the Psoas muscle could lead to menstrual cramps, digestive problems, or bowel movement problems. If you’re experiencing discomfort in your lower back, we highly recommend seeking effective acupuncture treatment.