Quadratus Lumborum

The Quadratus Lumborum is the deepest muscle in the low back and the abdomen. This muscle attached to the pelvis and to the posterior of the iliac crest. The QL’s are responsible for the lateral tilt of the pelvis and the flexing the vertebral column on the same side. They also are responsible for holding the last rib in place during inhalation and exhalation. Often individuals with lower back pain spend the majority of their day sitting at a desk. This is one of the few muscles that can be overworked even if you are sitting still. QL’s are a muscle linked to the large intestines. If an individual does not have regular bowel movements and is also experiencing headaches this could also trigger lower back pain in the QL’s because the connection with the large intestines. More fiber and water in the diet may help ease this particular problem but it is also wise to consult a physician about the proper dietary measures. The sharp pain in the lower back may also be triggered by picking up or carrying an object incorrectly. The best course of action when lower back pain occurs is heat the lower back for three minutes and ice for 30 seconds. Another solution would be to rub the area in circular motions. Possible the best solution would be to get a massage and explain where and how the injury happened.

Oh My Aching Back

Individuals who have chronic, recurring, or acute back pain know the seriousness of how painful everyday movement can be. Approximately 70 to 85 percent of the population will be subjected to some type of back pain, whether the pain occurs in the upper, middle, or lower back. Americans spend an average of $50 billion a year to treat back pain, $86 billion on neck and back treatment combined (Web Md, 2015). Back pain a major loss of job productivity, medical treatment, and absenteeism from work which also account for over $100 billion in America’s economy (Osborn, 2015). This statistics shout out a need for Americans to understand which type of back pain he or she is experiencing and how to find an appropriate alternative to surgery or unnecessary medications to treat the discomfort. Back pain may be triggered by sports activities, workouts, bad ergonomics, and lack of exercise, poor diet, arthritis, inflammation, and stress. Stress is the greatest contributor to back pain. Experts equate stress in back to employee’s huddles over a computer keyboard to complete work deadlines. Poor posture at the computer is a main ingredient for neck and back pain. Muscles that are exacerbated by holding the muscles in the shoulders, rounded and pushed forward and the neck begins to sink down in the body, which forces the back to constrict to a new posture. Muscular distortions of this nature cause the back muscle to tighten and create major discomfort. Today’s office worker is forced to work at the computer station for hours on end. A human body is not accustomed to such a stationery position. One of the many ways to save a back is to set an alarm, get up from the chair, and move about the office for 5 minutes. Movement can curve or prevent back. Five minutes out of every hour will help the body to increase circulation, blood flow and help the body help itself. Inflammation is often the leading cause of most back pain. The body will show some or all of these symptoms when and inflammation occurs: redness, joint swelling, joint, pain, joint stiffness, and loss of joint function. A muscle inflammation occurs when the body releases certain chemicals to an affected area that is injured or has infection, resulting in swelling. Fluids that reach the tissues cause nerve stimulation and pain. A massage therapist, who has the proper training, may be able to alleviate back pain. An individual will describe an area of inflammation followed by when the pain is most prevalent. This will encourage the massage therapist to stimulate the blood flow in that particular area and joint manipulation. Sciatica pain is the sciatic nerve, which runs from the blower back down the back of the legs. When an individual has sciatic pain, he or she will feel burning the leg when sitting, along with leg weakness, shooting pain and more. Sciatica pain is linked to lumbar spinal stenosis, disc disease, pregnancy and other factors. Piriformis syndrome originates in the glutes and there is pain and tingling in that region. The piriformis becomes compressed on the sciatic nerve. Some daily routines that may inflame the piriformis are sitting in a car seat or running. Pain can often be felt when climbing stairs or sitting for long periods of time. Firm pressure applied to the piriformis can greatly relieve the pain. The sacroiliac (SI) joints are located on the sacrum and one is on the right iliac bone and the other attaches to the left iliac bone. The SI joins connect the spin to the pelvis. These joints are held firmly in place by a group of strong ligaments. Walking in an abnormal pattern may disrupt the functionality of the SI joints. Another reason for SI joint dysfunction may be one hip is higher than the other. Additionally, gout, Ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and any arthritis can be contributing factors to SI joint dysfunction. The lumbar spine can be treated to relieve tension in the SI joint. Massage is beneficial for helping inflammation of the SI joint. Another way to save a back is to get a massage regularly. Many individuals are seeking the help of a massage therapist, who are able to manipulate the muscles of the body, create circulation, and aid in the deceasing the stress level. Massage can help the body unwind, ease the psyche, and improve range of motion and circulation. Finding a massage therapist that has specific knowledge of the body and muscular system is beneficial for assistance in tapping into the parasympathetic systems. With the right massage sleep becomes regular and stress seems to melt away. These are two key ingredients to a healthy and happy productive you.

All the little pieces: Tensor Fascia Latae

All the little pieces: Tensor Fascia Latae: Tensor Fascia Latae The tensor fasciae latae is a muscle with several functions to aid the hip. This muscle, approximately three fingers ...

Tensor Fascia Latae

Tensor Fascia Latae The tensor fasciae latae is a muscle with several functions to aid the hip. This muscle, approximately three fingers wide and located on the lateral side of the hip, is an abductor and internal rotator of the hip, and a hip flexor. As an abductor of the hip the TFL (tensor fascia Latae) aids in drawing a limb away from the body. The TFL works together with two other important muscles of the gluteal, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. As an internal rotator of the hip, TFL works with a group of muscles that act to stabilize the hip. Gluteus minimus primary function is to stabilize the hip when walking or standing. TFL aids in the equalizing of the gluteus minimus and medius when an individual is standing or walking with the effect on the opposite of side of the TFL. If the TFL becomes hindered, the rotation of the hip will feel a constraint and an additional burden will be placed on the TFL. Inhibition of the TFL will often radiate pain into the groin area. Additionally, the hampering of the TFL may in turn cause pain in the psoas, rector femoris, adductors, and Sartorius’s muscles. This small but mighty muscle is important in keeping the hip flexors and gluteal functioning properly. Another area that may be affected by TFL is the IT band. Strengthening the TFL before rolling out the Illiotibial Band will prove fruitless, unless strengthening the TFL occurs first. Find a physical therapist or a certified personal trainer to help secure the best exercises for strengthening this muscle, which will help decrease discomfort in so many areas of the hips and gluteal. Some causes of the pain the TFL is sitting, driving, or exercising at a 90 degree angle for long periods of time. Other causes of TFL discomfort are sleeping in the fetal position or sleeping with feet elevated. Runners and walkers often experience pain in the IT band, which in turn radiates pain to the TFL. An individual may be overweight which also can increase the pain in the hip and TFL area. The body is interconnected. Connecting muscles often refer pain and tenderness, when in fact the muscle that is being affected cannot be determined. Massage therapy can locate the muscle and surrounding muscles that are causing the pain. With proper palpitations and manipulation the client may feel relief within a few weeks if properly treated. David Kent, L. N. (2012, February). Hip and Thigh Pain: The Tensor Fascia Latae Connection. Retrieved from Massage Today: http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=14542 The Often Overlooked Tensor Fascia Latae. (2010). Retrieved from Neurokinetic Therapy: http://neurokinetictherapy.com/the-often-overlooked-tensor-fascia-lata

All the little pieces: Help Your Body Help Itself

All the little pieces: Help Your Body Help Itself: Help Your Body Help Itself Lakewood Organic Black Cherry Juice is a product I drink and recommend to individuals with sore muscles. The re...

Help Your Body Help Itself

Help Your Body Help Itself Lakewood Organic Black Cherry Juice is a product I drink and recommend to individuals with sore muscles. The reason this juice is so good for muscles is all the minerals, anti-oxidants, and vitamin sources contained in one serving (1/2 cup). There is not fat, cholesterol, and only 10 milligrams of sodium per ½ cup serving. Check out the vitamins that this product contains: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B2, and Vitamin B4. Additional the nutrients found in Black Cherry Juice are Calcium, iron, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, and Manganese. Black Cherry Juice has essential micro-nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to aid in: 1) managing uric acid 2) restores electrolytes 3) helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and keep normal Cholesterol levels 4) improves iron absorption 5) helps with cell growth and aids in digestion Lakewood Organic Black Cherry Juice can be found at your local Publix store in the healthy juice section. Your muscles will thank you for drinking this healthy drink.

All the little pieces: Sacroiliac Joint

All the little pieces: Sacroiliac Joint: The Sacroiliac Joint By Karen Benford Smith The sacroiliac joint links the sacrum and pelvis. This joint forms a merging of the three bon...