Why are we thankful for the good old QL?
It’s the muscle that helps you carry 15 bags
of groceries in one hand....in one trip!
Attaches: The lower rib, the spinal vertebrae and the
pelvis.
Function: To stabilize and help function of the lower
spine. If you’re holding a heavy weight
in your right hand, the QL contracts to keep you from leaning to the right. Besides
that, the QL connects the pelvis to the spine.
Strong
QL Test: Hold and time a side plank position
on each side (left & right). If
there is a significant difference in time it is likely that one side is
stronger than the other.
Interesting
QL Facts:
- It allows your upper body and lower body to do things independently. For example, keep your hips and legs still while moving your shoulders and arms.
- It is known as the “hip hiker” because it’s the muscle that lifts the hip.
- QL pain can be paralyzing. It brings a sharp stabbing knife like pain to the lower back area. Turning over in bed and trying to stand from a sitting position can almost bring tears to the eyes.
- If you have one hip noticeably higher than the other, chances are you have problems with the QL.
Possible Signs of An Unhappy QL:
- Pain in the lower back. Generally deep, dull, and aching, but may be sharp during movement.
- You may have to drop on all fours due to pain from the QL.
- Coughing and sneezing can be extremely painful.
- You may not be able to roll over in bed or stand upright due to pain.
- You may have referring pain down the leg mimicking sciatica.
