Trigger Points that Refer Pain to the Lumbar Spine / Lower Back
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Pain Referred to the Central Low Back
Quadratus Lumborum (Deep and Superficial Fibers):
Strong deep aching or sharp pain across the low back and iliac crest,
Erector Spinae (Lumbar Portion - Iliocostalis Lumborum, Longissimus Thoracis):
Vertical pain alongside the spine and central low back,
Deep, sharp pain focused near the vertebrae, often mistaken for discogenic pain,
Refers deep aching pain to the lumbar vertebrae and adjacent low back structures,
Deep aching pain in the central low back area, particularly when moving from sitting to standing,
Latissimus Dorsi (Lower Attachments):
Low-grade aching into the lumbar region, especially laterally,
Thoracic Paraspinals (Lower Fibers):
Referral from T11–T12 can mimic lower back pain,
Diaphragm (Costal and Crural Attachments):
Tension in the diaphragm can refer pain to the upper lumbar region,
Adductor Magnus (Posterior Fibers):
Rare but can cause referred pain into the lower lumbar and sacroiliac areas when highly active,
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Pain Referred to the Lateral Low Back and Iliac Crest
Quadratus Lumborum (Lateral Fibers):
Refers to the iliac crest, sacroiliac region, and sometimes into the hip,
Gluteus Medius (Anterior Fibers):
Can refer pain superiorly to the lateral lower back and iliac crest area,
Gluteus Minimus (Superior Fibers):
Can radiate into the sacroiliac and lateral lumbar region,
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Pain Referred to the Sacroiliac Area and Coccyx
Gluteus Maximus (Upper Fibers):
Pain referred upward to the sacrum and posterior iliac crest,
Pain can radiate to the sacroiliac joint region and sometimes further down into the gluteal area,
Iliocostalis Lumborum (Lower Fibers):
Aching in the lumbar and sacroiliac region,
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Pain Referred to the Lower Abdominal Region with Lumbar Involvement
Rectus Abdominis (Lower Fibers):
Sometimes refers pain both to the lower abdomen and into the lower back,
External Oblique (Lower Fibers):
Pain can span across the abdomen into the lumbar region,
Internal Oblique (Lower Fibers):
Similar pattern as external oblique, referring across to the lumbar area,