Functional Anatomy of Vertebral Column

Thoracolumbar fascia - posterior layer

Posterior to back muscles, attaches to spinous processes of lumbar vertebrae

Thoracolumbar fascia - middle layer

Posterior to quadratus lumborum, attaches to transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae

Thoracolumbar fascia - anterior layer

Anterior to quadratus lumborum, attaches to transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae

Thoracolumbar fascia

Three layers join together lateral to iliocostalis lumborum and quadratus lumborum 

Functions of thoracolumbar fascia

Act as retinaculum for back muscles, provide attachment for anterior abdominal and limb muscles, stabilises lumbar vertebral column, stabilises sacroiliac joint, transfers load between spine, pelvic and lower limb

Lumbopelvic stability walls

Posterolateral = quadratus lumborum and psoas major, roof = diaphragm, anterolateral = abdominal muscles, floor = pelvic floor

Lumbopelvic stability - anterolateral abdominal wall

Co contraction stiffens trunk, important for trunk stability during high load tasks

Lumbopelvic stability - changes in intraabdominal pressure

Contraction of transversus abdominis, diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles

Lumbopelvic stability - thoracolumbar fascia

Tension here combined with increased intraabdominal pressure increases spinal stiffness

Pelvic movements in coronal plane

Around ap axis, corresponding contralateral lateral flexion of lumbar spine with pelvic drop, corresponding hip abduction with pelvic drop

Pelvic drop - concentric contractions

Ipsilateral glute max, contralateral hip adductors, contralateral external and internal obliques

Pelvic lift - concentric contractions

Contralateral glute max, ipsilateral hip adductors, ipsilateral external and internal obliques

Pelvic movements in sagittal plane

Around transverse axis, corresponding increase in lumbar lordosis with anterior tilt, corresponding hip flexion with anterior tilt

Anterior pelvic tilt - concentric contractions

Hip flexors and erector spinae

Posterior pelvic tilt - concentric contractions

Hip extensors and abdominal muscles

Pelvic movements in horizontal plane

Around longitudinal axis, corresponding contralateral rotation of lumbar spine, corresponding contralateral hip external rotation

Pelvic rotation to the right - concentric contraction

Left external rotators, right internal rotators, left internal oblique, right external oblique

Pelvic rotation to the left - concentric contractions

Right external rotators, left internal rotators, right internal oblique, left external oblique