Low Back Pain in Longmont? It Might Be Your Quadratus Lumborum (QL)

Low back pain is one of the most common complaints we see at Wildflower Acupuncture in Longmont, Colorado and one of the most overlooked causes is a deep stabilizing muscle called the Quadratus Lumborum (QL).

If you’ve been told you have “tight hips,” “sciatica,” or a “locked-up back,” but nothing seems to fully resolve it, your QL may be the missing piece.

What Is the Quadratus Lumborum (QL)?

The Quadratus Lumborum is a deep core muscle located on either side of your spine in the low back. It connects your pelvis to your ribs and helps:

  • Stabilize the lumbar spine

  • Support upright posture

  • Assist with side bending

  • Control pelvic alignment

  • Support breathing mechanics

Because of its location and nerve referral patterns, QL dysfunction often mimics sciatica, even when the sciatic nerve isn’t the problem.

Signs Your QL May Be Causing Your Low Back Pain

Do you experience:

  • One-sided low back pain?

  • Sudden spasms or acute “grabby” back pain?

  • A feeling like your spine is “locked up”?

  • Pain radiating into your glute or upper thigh?

  • Low back pain that now feels like hip pain?

  • Increased pain when sitting for long periods?

These are classic signs of QL imbalance or weakness.

Many patients come into my Longmont clinic convinced they have disc issues or sciatica — when in reality, the QL is the primary driver.

Why the QL Gets Tight and Painful

We use our backs constantly:

  • Sitting at desks

  • Driving

  • Lifting kids or groceries

  • Standing unevenly

  • Carrying bags on one side

  • Athletic overuse

The QL often compensates when the deeper core muscles aren’t firing properly. Over time, this leads to:

  • Muscle guarding

  • Trigger points

  • Pelvic imbalance

  • Referred pain patterns

Simply strengthening your core, especially deep stabilizers, can significantly reduce chronic low back pain.

How to Test Your QL Strength at Home

One simple test: Side Plank

  • Lie on your side

  • Lift your hips into a straight line

  • Hold as long as you can

Now compare sides.

Can you hold one side significantly longer than the other?

A noticeable imbalance may indicate QL weakness or compensation patterns contributing to your pain.

How Acupuncture Helps Low Back & QL Pain in Longmont

At Wildflower Acupuncture, we use targeted acupuncture to:

  • Release QL trigger points

  • Reduce muscle spasm

  • Calm nerve irritation

  • Improve circulation to the lumbar region

  • Restore pelvic balance

  • Improve mobility

Acupuncture works by decreasing inflammation and regulating the nervous system, helping your body shift out of pain patterns more efficiently.

Many patients report improvement after just a few treatments.

We often combine acupuncture with:

  • Core stabilization guidance

  • Targeted stretching

  • Postural awareness education

  • Electroacupuncture (when appropriate)

When to Seek Treatment for Low Back Pain

If your back pain:

  • Has lasted more than 1–2 weeks

  • Keeps recurring

  • Radiates into your hip or thigh

  • Worsens with sitting

  • Feels one-sided and stubborn

It’s time to address the underlying muscle imbalance, not just mask the symptoms.

Acupuncture for Low Back Pain in Longmont, Colorado

If you’re in Longmont, Boulder, Erie, Niwot, Louisville, or Broomfield and struggling with persistent low back pain, we’re here to help.

At Wildflower Acupuncture, we specialize in:

  • Chronic pain relief

  • Sports-related back pain

  • Muscle imbalance correction

  • Nervous system regulation

  • Functional acupuncture care

You don’t have to live with ongoing back pain.

Ready to Feel Better?

If you have questions about your low back pain, or want to find out if your QL is the culprit, schedule a visit.

We’re here to help YOU move, sit, sleep, and live more comfortably.

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