Low Back Pain - Erector Spinae Muscles
Taping for Low Back Pain - Erector Spinae Trigger Points
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Erector Spinae Muscles
- Iliocostalis. Iliocostalis cervicis. Iliocostalis thoracis. Iliocostalis lumborum.
- Longissimus. Longissimus capitis. Longissimus cervicis. Longissimus thoracis.
- Spinalis. Spinalis capitis. Spinalis cervicis. Spinalis thoracis.
The erector spinae, also called the sacrospinalis, comprise three sets of muscles organized in parallel columns. From lateral to medial, they are: iliocostalis, longissimus, and spinalis.
Erector Spinae Trigger Points
Origin
Slips of muscle arising from the sacrum. Iliac crest. Spinous and transverse processes of vertebrae. Ribs.
Insertion
Ribs. Transverse and spinous processes of vertebrae. Occipital bone.
Action
Extends and laterally exes vertebral column (i.e. bending backward
and sideways). Helps maintain correct curvature of spine in the erect and sitting positions. Steadies the vertebral column on the pelvis during walking.
Antagonist: rectus abdominis.
Nerve
Dorsal rami of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal nerves.
Basic Functional Movement
Keeps back straight (with correct curvatures), therefore maintains posture.
Referred Pain
Thoracic spine—iliocostalis: medially toward the spine, and anteriorly toward the abdomen.
Lumbar spine—iliocostalis: mid buttock.
Thoracic spine—iliocostalis: buttock and sacroiliac area.
Indications
Low back pain (especially after lifting), reduced range of motion in the spine, low back pain (from sitting/standing/climbing stairs), low grade back ache worsening toward the end of the day.
Common Causes
Poor posture, playing musical instruments, lying on front with head propped up, poor glasses, upper crossed pattern, kyphosis, scoliosis, wear and tear, cold drafts/ air conditioning, vertebral alignment issues, certain sports (e.g. archery), tight shirt/tie, depression.
Differential Diagnosis
Angina. Visceral pain. Radiculopathy. Ligamentous, discogenic, sacroiliac. Piriformis. Pathological: aortic aneurysm. Visceral pathology. Space-occupying lesion. Pelvic in ammatory disease.
Connections
Pectoralis major.
Common Techniques
| Spray and Stretch | YES |
| Dry Needling | YES |
| Deep Stroking Massage | YES |
| Compression | YES |
| Muscle Energy | YES |
| Positional Release | YES |
| Wet Needling | YES |
| Taping | YES |
Links
Find a Trigger Point Professional in your area
Treating Erector Spinae Trigger Points
Dry Needling for Trigger Points
Certify as a Trigger Point Therapist
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About Niel Asher Education
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Established in the United Kingdom in 1999, we provide course and distance learning material for therapists and other healthcare professionals in over 40 countries.
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NAMTPT AWARD 2017
We are honored to have received the 2017 "Excellence in Education" Award from the National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists.
Since 1999 Niel Asher Education has won numerous awards for education and in particular for education and services provided in the field of trigger point therapy.
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Award Winning Instructors
Niel Asher Healthcare course instructors have won a host of prestigious awards including 2 lifetime achievement honorees - Stuart Hinds, Lifetime Achievement Honoree, AAMT, 2015, and Dr. Jonathan Kuttner, MD, Lifetime Achievement Honoree, NAMTPT, 2014.
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In addition to national accreditation for continued education, each course that we offer includes "NAT Learning Credits". By taking and completing courses you can accumulate NAT credits to qualify for NAT certification.
There are currently 3 levels of NAT certification. Certifying NAT is a valuable way to show your clients that you take continued education seriously, and to promote your skills and qualifications.
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NAT courses are accredited for continuing education by over 30 professional associations in North America, United Kingdom, Australia, and European Union countries. These include The National Academy of Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy Board of California, AAFA, National Certification Board for Manual Therapists and Bodyworkers, Sports Therapy Institute, and Myotherapy Australia.
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Since 1999 the Niel Asher Technique for treating trigger points has been adopted by over 100,000 therapists worldwide, and has been applied to the treatment of a number of common musculoskeletal injuries.
The Niel Asher Technique for treating frozen shoulder was first introduced and published in 1997 and has been widely adopted by therapists and exercise professionals working within elite sports and athletics.
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Most of our courses are available as either "Printed" or 'Download" editions. When you purchase a download edition, you receive immediate lifetime access to all course material. Course texts can be downloaded and printed if required.
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This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.
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