Musculus quadratus lumborum

The quadratus lumborum muscle, informally called the QL, is a paired muscle of the left and right posterior abdominal wall.

It is the deepest abdominal muscle, and commonly referred to as a back muscle.

Each is irregular and quadrilateral in shape.

The quadratus lumborum muscles originate from the wings of the ilium; their insertions are on the transverse processes of the upper four lumbar vertebrae plus the lower posterior border of the twelfth rib.

Contraction of one of the pair of muscles causes lateral flexion of the lumbar spine, elevation of the pelvis, or both.

Contraction of both causes extension of the lumbar spine.

A disorder of the quadratus lumborum muscles is pain due to muscle fatigue from constant contraction due to prolonged sitting, such as at a computer or in a car.

Kyphosis and weak gluteal muscles can also contribute to the likelihood of quadratus lumborum pain.