Quadratus Lumborum Injection
What is Quadratus Lumborum?
The quadratus lumborum is a muscle deep inside the abdomen. The muscle runs from the hip bone and attaches to the 12th rib at the back of the rib cage and the flat bony projections of the 1st to 4th lumbar vertebrae (spine bones of the lower back). The muscle has a rectangular appearance, hence ‘quadratus.’
The quadratus lumborum muscle contributes to the stabilization and movement of the spine and the pelvis. Contraction of the muscle is responsible for bending back movement and the bending sideways movement of the spine.
Why do I need this injection?
Overuse and strain of the quadratus lumborum is one of the major causes for chronic pain in the lower back. Typical cause is using a reclining seat, which relaxes the intrinsic back muscles and weakens them in the long term. The weak back muscles are compensated by the quadratus lumborum, leading to painful tension and stiffening of the muscle.
How is this injection performed?
Quadratus lumborum injection is done as a day care procedure. At Atlas Pain Care, Coimbatore, it is performed in a clean room under ultrasound/x ray guidance.
An X-ray or an ultrasound machine will then be used to determine where the needle should be placed. Following infiltration of local anaesthesia to reduce skin discomfort during the procedure, the needle is placed and guided to the quadratus lumborum under image control. Once correct placement is confirmed with a dye, local anaesthetic and other medications are injected. The procedure takes not more than 15 minutes, following which you will be observed in the recovery room for an hour and discharged home later.
What are the possible risks with this procedure?
Gentle activity and rest is recommended for the first 24 hours following the procedure. The local anaesthetic will wear off 12 – 18 hours following your procedure after which you might experience slight discomfort till the other medications start taking effect. Major side effects like bleeding and infection are very rare. The effect should last a few months during which our rehabilitation and functional restoration exercises should be followed to provide long-term benefit. On occasions, we might have to inject Botox for long-term benefit. Please read our FAQ section to know more about the do's and don'ts prior to and after the procedure.