One-Sided Lower Back Pain and a High Hip: Quadratus Lumborum Release
This module teaches the release of the Quadratus Lumborum, a stabilizing muscle along the side of the lumbar spine. Spasm in this muscle can produce sharp lower back pain and restriction between the rib cage and pelvis.
The quadratus lumborum runs from the top of the pelvis to the lowest rib and the lumbar spine on each side, and it is the muscle behind the low back pain that is on one side, along the side of the waist, and worse when you straighten up, bend or twist. Postural imbalance, compensation from other muscles and uneven loading fatigue one QL more than the other until it locks in spasm. In spasm it hikes the hip on that side, tilts the pelvis, jams the rib cage down toward it, and restricts the movement between the ribs and the pelvis; the posture goes asymmetrical and so does the breath. Releasology releases the quadratus lumborum directly, and the pelvis, the ribs and the low back settle level again.
What this release relieves
- One-sided lower back pain and pain along the side of the waist. The lateral lumbar ache that sits on one side is the QL on that side in spasm. It eases as it releases.
- Sharp low back pain and stiffness when standing upright. The QL locks the lumbar spine against the pelvis; straightening up pulls on it. Released, standing tall stops hurting.
- One hip higher than the other and uneven posture. A QL in spasm hikes its side of the pelvis. Clients see the hip drop level as it releases.
- Discomfort bending or twisting. Side-bending and rotation both need the QL to lengthen; in spasm it will not.
- A feeling of imbalance and difficulty standing evenly. With one side of the pelvis hiked, the body cannot load both legs evenly.
- Asymmetrical breathing and restriction between the ribs and pelvis. The QL attaches to the lowest rib. In spasm it holds that side of the rib cage down, and the breath goes uneven.
The quadratus lumborum (QL) is one of the primary stabilizers of the lower back.
It connects:
• the pelvis (ilium)
• the lumbar spine• the lower ribsIts role is to:• stabilize the spine during movement• assist in lateral bending
• control rib position during breathingWhen functioning properly:
• the spine remains balanced• movement is smooth and coordinated• the rib cage and pelvis move in harmony
When the QL enters spasm:
👉 it locks the lower back
👉 restricts lateral movement
👉 creates asymmetry in posture
This is often experienced as a deep, one-sided restriction.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it is the QL or the psoas?
The QL produces one-sided pain along the side of the waist, a hip that sits higher, and pain with side-bending. The psoas (Modality 13) produces central low back pain, disc loading and front-of-thigh symptoms. They are neighbours and are often released together.
My chiropractor says my pelvis is rotated. Is this related?
A pelvis that keeps going out of level is being pulled there by a QL in spasm. Adjusting the bones without releasing the muscle means it pulls them back. Release the QL and the pelvis stays where it is put.
Why does my low back hurt after standing a long time?
Standing asks the QLs to hold the pelvis level under the spine for hours. A QL that is already fatigued locks, and the side of the waist and low back ache. Releasing it relieves it; the modality teaches a self-release for long days on your feet.
Step 2
The Clinical Problem
Clients commonly present with:
• stiffness when standing upright
• discomfort when bending or twisting
• a feeling of imbalance
• lateral lumbar pain - pain on the side of the low back. Not on the front; not on the back; right on the side.
They may also notice:
• one hip appearing higher than the other
• difficulty standing evenly
• tightness along the side of the waist
A key observation:
👉 the body feels pulled to one side and cannot fully relax into neutral
Spasm of the quadratus lumborum causes side-pain in the lumbar region
Step 3
Why This Happens
The quadratus lumborum is highly responsive to:
• postural imbalance
• compensation from other muscles
• uneven loading of the body
When the system becomes unbalanced:
• the QL engages to stabilize
• it works harder to maintain alignment
With repeated demand:
👉 it becomes overactive
👉 enters sustained contraction
Breathing Influence
Because the QL attaches to the lower ribs:
• it directly influences breathing mechanics
When in spasm:
• the lower rib cage becomes restricted
• breathing becomes asymmetrical
Releasology Perspective
This represents a disruption in lateral and posterior conduction.
Instead of allowing movement:
• the system becomes fixed on one side
• force is not distributed evenly