You may not have heard of the iliolumbar ligament before since it is not as popular as other parts of the body, but we are quite confident that you may have had one or more encounters with back pain.
Although there are so many things that can cause back pain. An injury to your iliolumbar ligament is one of the primary reasons. This injury can affect your ability to bend or twist with ease.
In this article, we will be discussing with you in detail, the anatomy of the ligament, the various functions this ligament performs and precautions to take to prevent injury to your iliolumbar ligament.
Anatomy of Iliolumbar ligament
A ligament is a band of tissue known as the connective tissue that is short and tough. Ligaments are usually found within a joint. There, they serve as a connection between a bone and another bone.
The iliolumbar ligament is a ligament that surrounds a part of the spine known as the lumbar vertebrae and connects the bones in that region to bones of the hip known as the iliac crest.
This connection enables the body to make specific movements around that region which would not have been possible if the iliolumbar ligament was injured or absent.
Functions of Iliolumbar ligament
- Restraining Movement: The iliolumbar ligament helps to restrain any unnecessary movement from around the lumbosacral (a joint formed between the lumbar bones of the spine and the sacral bones) and the sacroiliac (a joint formed between the sacral bones of the spine and the iliac bone of the hip).
- Strengthening The Lumbosacral Joint: The iliolumbar ligament in addition to restraining unnecessary movements also provides stability and strength to the lumbosacral joint. This joint is very crucial for the transition of movements coming from the upper part of the body and going to the lower parts of the body.
Signs and Symptoms of Injury
Here are the signs and symptoms you will notice if you have an iliolumbar ligament injury:
- Pain from the lower part of the spine that feels like someone is stabbing you.
- Pain from your back whenever you attempt to bend or twist.
- Back pain after sitting for an extended period.
- Burning pain in the back of your legs.
Traditional Treatment for Iliolumbar ligament Injury
- Medical History and Physical Examination: The Doctor will ask some questions with regards to the signs and symptoms listed above. After asking the questions, the doctor will go ahead and physically examine you.
- Investigation: The Doctor will carry out some imaging such as X-ray or MRI to confirm the diagnosis of iliolumbar ligament injury.
- Treatment: The Doctor will place you on drugs (usually painkillers) to relieve any pain might be feeling. The doctor might refer you to a Physical Therapist. This conservative approach to the treatment of iliolumbar ligament injury is usually very practical.
Treatment of Iliolumbar ligament With Holistic Medicine
There are a few different routes you can go when you are looking to take the most natural approach as possible. The direction you go will depend on the type or combination of health care providers that you choose to see because they all can bring something different to the table.
Chiropractic – A chiropractor will most likely rely on different spinal adjustments. The result of everyday living and movements can put our spine out of place. When the spine is out of place, the Iliolumbar ligament can have to pick up the slack and get hurt from the extra load.
Physical Therapy – A physical therapists will rely on giving you exercises and movements that will help the body self-correct for imbalances and weakness. Physical therapists can also do spinal manipulations and use other modalities and skills depending on their education.
Massage Therapy – A massage therapist will look to treat your Iliolumbar ligament by massaging the surrounding areas that create tension. The quads, hamstrings, glutes, lower back, and psoas will all most likely get massaged.
Other Options That Can Help Include:
Injury Prevention for Iliolumbar ligament
The essential precautions to take to prevent an iliolumbar ligament injury include:
- Ensure that you avoid direct trauma to your spine and pelvic region.
- Engage in exercises that will strengthen your iliolumbar ligament
- Daily Stretching
- Daily Foam Rolling
- Getting regular treatment from a sports medicine provider
- The goal is to stretch lower back and spiral line
- Key is put pressure through hand on the ground and extend with the hand off the ground
- Stretches spiral line and lower back
- Alos stretches entire side of the body from the side of the foot to the armpit
- Best stretch for athletes or anyone with back issues
- Stretches the glute muscles and external rotators
- Key is to bring chest towards the front foot
- All pressure goes through your hand and feet
- Dorsiflex feet to stretch calves
- Will feel stretch through the entire back side of the body
- Low back stretch that you can settle and relax into
- The hips are one of the main reasons people suffer from lower back pain
- We spend too much time sitting down
- This stretch will help to reverse those effects
Find The Best Healthcare Providers Using Kbho Health
9INE POINT Health is the best place to start your search for a healthcare provider for an Iliolumbar ligament issue. 9INE POINT Health lets you search for providers by type and skill. You can look for a Physical Therapist that also knows acupuncture and find the best local options. It does not matter if you need a physical therapist, chiropractor, acupuncturists, sports doctor, registered dietitian, massage therapist or any other form of holistic medicine. 9INE POINT will help you to find and sort through their skills.
If you are unsure where to start your journey, 9INE POINT Health will ask you questions and help you figure out the best starting place. All you have to do is answer a few questions, and 9INE POINT Health will connect you with the type of provider best suited for your needs. It does not matter if you are injured or just sore.
The platform makes it easy to compare health providers as they are all given a 9INE POINT Number. Once you are shown the best local options, how do you know which is the best? Reading bios and reviews is just not enough because you need more than that. The 9INE POINT Number breaks healthcare providers down by engagement, reviews, and insurances accepted. Getting help for your Iliolumbar ligament should not be hard.
KHO Health was acquired by was acquire by 9INE POINT in the summer of 2019 and is now referred to as 9INE POINT Health.
