How does the erector spinae work?

Asked by: Tonya Williams

The erector spinae muscles lie on each side of the vertebral column and extend alongside the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical sections of the spine. The erector spinae muscles function to straighten the back and provide for side-to-side rotation. An injury or strain to these muscles may cause back spasms and pain.

Which movement does the erector spinae muscles help with?

Bilateral contraction of erector spinae causes extension of the head, neck and cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Helps to stabilize the pelvis while balancing on one leg. During this activity, the contralateral muscle group contracts and prevents the pelvis from dipping[4].

What are the two actions of the erector spinae muscles?

The two major functions of the erector spinae muscle group are to extend and laterally flex the spine.

What happens when the erector spinae muscle contracts?

As a result of its attachments, the thoracic erector spinae muscle acts over the lumbar spine, but not via direct attachments to it. Contraction of the muscle moves the thorax posteriorly over the lumbar spine, resulting in an extension moment to the lumbar region and a compressive load to the lumbar segments.

Why is the erector spinae important?

The erector spinae allow the spinal joints the ability to extend, laterally flex and rotate. The importance of this group is often overlooked because they are not seen as a major muscle group. However, this group of muscles is the first line of protection for a stable spine.

How do you activate erector spinae?

Right there rotate that upwards as much as possible keep rotating until you feel your lower erectors firing. Now touch the point of your sternum. Right here in the front.

Does the erector spinae help posture?

The erector spinae are a group of muscles that run the length of the whole spine, from the neck to the tailbone, located on either side of the spine. Their primary action is to extend the spine (backward bending), thereby allowing us to maintain an upright posture.

What muscles flex and extend the spine?

The erector spinae is a group of muscles that work together to extend the vertebral column and thus maintain good posture. The muscles are innervated by the spinal nerves.

What 3 groups of muscles make up the erector spinae?

The erector spinae muscles are really three muscles: spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis. To get more specific, anatomists subdivide each of these three muscles into smaller muscles based on the region of the spine they are in. Spinalis comes from the Latin word spina which means “thorn”.

Why are my spinal erectors so tight?

The most common causes for these symptoms are inflammation, muscle strain, and muscle tear. Additionally, these muscles become tight if you live a sedentary lifestyle and your spinae erector muscles do the work to make up for weak abs, lats, and glutes.

Do pull ups work erector spinae?

Strengthen the back muscles



Pull-up is one of the best workouts for strengthening the back muscles. It works on many muscles, which are most important for the upper body like Latissimus Dorsi, Trapezius, Thoracic Erector Spinae, and Infraspinatus.

Is the erector spinae a core muscle?

Your erector spinae is a vital part of your core, as it links to your abdominal and oblique muscles, which stabilizes and helps you move your entire upper body. Note: Your erector spinae is also referred to as, sacrospinalis group of muscles, spinal erectors, and most commonly, your lower back muscles.

How do you release a tight erector spinae?

Your head on the floor. You can use your arms to support contract. The mid-back. So starting from the neck and the spine. Bring your body up off the ground keep your cork tight.

How do I self massage my erector spinae?

We're going to drop our ass back to the heels holding that tension. And flexing that spot in the end range. Show another rep. Here. About six to ten reps of this. Every.