Low back pain has many causes. When low back pain radiates to quadriceps, possibilities include:
- SI Joint Syndrome: The SI joints are the articulations between the tailbone and pelvis. They can be injured by trauma or can get arthritis just like any joint. SI joint pain can also cause significant low back pain near the tailbone or lateral hip. For more information on SI Joint Syndrome.
- L2, L3, or L4 nerve root compression in the low back. These nerves can refer tingling, pain, numbness, or other symptoms to the quadriceps area (front of thigh). It is also possible for other lumbar nerve roots to be perceived in this area. These picnhed nerves can also cause low back pain. For more information on things that can compress nerves such as bulging discs.
- Femoral cutaneous neuropathy: The femoral nerve has a skin branch that provides sensation to this area and can be irritated at the ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine).
- Quadriceps, adductor, or psoas myofascial trigger points: The muscles can develop knots and these areas of trigger points can refer to the quadriceps area. In addition, trigger points in the low back (upper lumbar spine and quadratus lumborum) can refer to the quadriceps area.
- Hip Osteoarthritis: Hip pain usually refers to the groin or upper quadriceps area. For more information on hip osteoathritis.
- Iliopsoas Bursitis: There is a lubricating sac near that makes the psoas muscle pass over the front of the hip more easily. The pain from this bura can radiate to the quadriceps. More information in iliopsoas bursitis.
