Stiffness in the low back can come from several larger muscles like spinal erectors, latissimus dorsi, and psoas. Fragility in the low back usually comes from a joint problem in the vertebrae. The two patterns play in concert to create a pain pattern that is a combination of the two. This post is a collection of trigger points that produce either type of low back pain.
There are a number of these combinations. Here is an example:
This post shows a pattern that is a combination of two patterns:
- The fragile sharp pain around L3 is created by the multifidi that cross those interspinous joints. This is usually the source of the feeling that your back is about to “go out.”
- The aching pain in the SI joint comes from the quadratus lumborum, which is also impacted by the joint problem at L3. In each of these combinations, another muscle refers into the hip or down the leg, creating the feeling of “sciatica.”
The sharp pain at the spine and the pain at the SI joint will usually resolve at the same time when the joints of L3 vertebrae are released. However, work in the muscle may be needed when the problem is in chronic spasm.
These posts include:
- Trigger point patterns and how people describe the pain
- How do you activate and intensify the pain pattern
- Self-care to show you how to get quick relief on your own
- Stretches and exercises that provide longer-lasting relief
- Brief anatomy review of the involved muscle
- Yoga poses that open this muscle
- Treatment notes for therapists
Note that we are in the process of converting these posts into a more informative and accessible format. Thank you for your patience.
This website is being revised, and some posts have not yet been converted to newer images and formats.
Buttock Pain with Tightness into the Back
Self-Care – Stiff Low Back Pain to the Crest of the Hip
Stiff Low Back Pain to the Crest of the Hip
Buttock Pain with Stiff Low Back
Self-Care – Mid Back Pain Often with Stiff Low Back
Sacral Pain: Pain Patterns, Causes, Self-Care
Self Care – Sharp Pain Across Top of Hips
Self Care – Stiff and Slow When Rising From Seated Position
Self Care – Pain Along One Side of the Low Back
Stiff, Fragile, Aching Low Back: Pain Patterns, Causes, Self-Care
Pain Along One Side of the Low Back
Self Care – Back is out but it hurts in the front
Self Care – Pain Along One Side of the Sacrum
Self Care – Sharp Pain in Front of Shoulder, Tight Low Back
Band of Pain Across the Mid-back
Aching and Burning in the mid back
Stiff back, Pain on the Side of the Hip
Wide Band of Pain Across the Top of the Hips
Stiff Low Back with Pain in the Lower Buttock
Fragile Low Back with SI Joint Pain
Pain Along One Side of the Sacrum
Sharp Pain Across Top of Hips
Back is out but it hurts in the front
Stiff and Slow When Rising From Seated Position
Sharp Pain in Front of Shoulder, with Tight Low Back
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Tony Preston has a practice in Atlanta, Georgia, where he sees clients. He has written materials and instructed classes since the mid-90s. This includes anatomy, trigger points, cranial, and neuromuscular.
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*This site is undergoing significant changes. We are reformatting and expanding the posts to make them easier to read. The result will also be more accessible and include more patterns with better self-care. Meanwhile, there may be formatting, content presentation, and readability inconsistencies. Until we get older posts updated, please excuse our mess.