Trigger Point Therapy - Stretching the Erector Spinae Muscles

Stretching the Erector Spinae - Dr. Jonathan Kuttner

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Interestingly and contrary to what some of us have been taught the erector spinae muscles don’t hold the spine erect

In fact, it turns out that most fibers are electrically silent during postural work (Kippers 1984).

This muscle group is designed to activate during extension from flexion, i.e. standing upright from bending forward.

Erector Spinae - Common Trigger Point Sites

The erector spinae has three divisions each of which may manifest a trigger point.

According to Simons, Travell, and Simons, individual pain patterns of several trigger points that refer pain to the Lumbosacral region may blend into each other.

The video above shows a technique for stretching the erector spinae muscles following trigger point treatment.

Erector Spinae - Self Help

Technique

Kneel on the ground and raise one arm. Then rotate your shoulders and middle back while looking upwards.

Keep your arm pointing straight upward and follow your hand with your eyes. This will help to further extend the stretch into your neck.

Muscles Being Stretched

Primary muscles: Semispinalis thoracis. Spinalis thoracis. Longissimus thoracis. Iliocostalis thoracis. Iliocostalis lumborum. Multifidus. Rotatores. Intertransversarii. Interspinales.
Secondary muscles: External and internal obliques. Pectoralis major.

Erector Spinae

The erector spinae muscle can often play a large role in lumbar back pain. It is made up of many small muscles - longissimus thoracis, iliocostalis, multifidi, and rotatores – and runs parallel to the spine.

It is very easy to place too much stress on this muscle by bending over and twisting the body.

Carrying heavy objects can also overload the muscle and lead to the formation of trigger points.

Interestingly, the smallest movements are sometimes to blame. An example is sitting on your wallet – this tilts your hip and can bend your spine.

If the muscles in the erector spinae are too tight or have trigger points, certain movements might be painful. Trigger point self help techniques or massage therapy, can help release trigger points and alleviate pain.

Injury Where Stretch Might Be Useful

Back muscle strain. Back ligament sprain. Abdominal muscle strain (obliques).

Links

Find a Trigger Point Professional in your area

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Back Pain - Trigger Point Release

Dry Needling for Trigger Points

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