The Muscles of the Back

The Back’s Structure

The back’s structure is complex. It is made up of the spine, discs, nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments, fasciae, and other structures. Each of these parts are individual structures, which function or work together. Here’s how:

• The spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are different depending on the level of the spine. Each of them (except the top vertebra of the neck) has a central part ( body), circular area (vertebral arch), and small projections (e.g. transverse process, spinous process) where the muscles attach. 

  The transversospinal muscle group is small, deep muscles that attach between the spinous processes of one vertebra to the transverse processes of the vertebra below it.

• Ligaments hold the vertebrae together

• Between the vertebra, discs provide cushioning

• Nerves extend through small holes in the vertebrae to different parts of the body

• Tendons attach the muscles to the vertebrae

• The muscles support the spine and allow for motion. Muscles are made up of individual fibers

• The fascia covers and supports the muscles

Back Muscles

Your back muscles extend from the bones of your neck (cervical vertebrae) to your lower back (lumbar spine) and then to the base of your lumbar spine (sacrum) and tailbone (coccyx). Some of these muscles are quite large and cover broad areas, e.g. large areas of the trunk. 

Other muscles are small and cover much less space. Certain back muscles extend to other areas, like the ribs, shoulder, shoulder blade (scapula), upper arm (humerus), and thigh (femur).

Types of Muscles

There are three different types of muscles in the body. The myocardium, the specialized muscle of the heart; smooth muscle that make up the walls of the intestines, stomach, etc.; and skeletal muscle that support bones.

The back muscles are skeletal muscles. Tightening and relaxing the skeletal muscles creates movement. Flexor muscles bend the joints, while extensor muscles straighten them.

Every Muscle in the Body Has 3 Parts

Every skeletal muscle has three main parts: the origin, insertion, and belly. 

• Origin - where a tendon attaches the muscle to a less movable bone 

• Insertion -  where a tendon attaches that muscle to a more movable bone 

• Belly - the thick part of the muscle

What Do Tendons Do?

In the back and elsewhere in the body, tendons attach muscles to bones. They help support bones and make them move.

Types of Back Injuries

There are many types and causes of back injuries. Muscle or tendon injuries are common ones.

Muscle Injuries

A strain is a stretched or torn muscle (also called a pulled muscle). Strained muscles can occur anywhere in the back. They often affect the muscles supporting the large curve of the lower back (lumbar spine).

What could cause a muscle strain? Recovering from quick movements, like a loss of balance.

Tendon Injuries

Tendon stretches or tears are also called strains.

What could cause a tendon strain? Overusing a tendon without allowing for rest.

Muscle and Tendon Injuries

Since tendons are located at the ends of muscles, where they attach to bones, a strain may involve both the muscle and tendon at the same time.

What could cause a muscle and tendon strain? Bending/twisting and lifting a heavy package.

If you are experiencing back pain, take a free Goodpath assessment for a personalized back pain program designed just for you:

Muscle Groups in the Back

As with other parts of the body, the back has several layers of muscles. Some are closer to the surface (called superficial muscles). Moving deeper into the body, there are intermediate muscles and deep muscles.

Muscles And Movement

The back has different muscle groups that work together to allow movement. There are groups of muscles that move the head, shoulders, arms, hips, legs, and spine itself. 

Some of the muscles are discussed in more than one of the next sections because they have more than one function. For example, the longissimus capitis muscle helps move the head, but it also helps extend - i.e. move the back.

Muscles in other parts of the body also help move the head, shoulders, arms, hips, legs, and spine. For example, a muscle group located in the chest also helps move the shoulders.

How Many Muscles Are in the Back?

The back has a total of 40 muscles. There are 20 muscle pairs, one on each side of the body. Depending on how the muscles are counted (eg - muscles that support breathing may or may not be counted), the total number may vary. 

For example, the serratus posterior superior and the serratus posterior inferior muscles, although located in the back, support breathing, so they may be counted as respiratory muscles.

Back Pain Prevention and Treatment

Back Pain Prevention

Although you might injure your back, the following can help prevent and protect it:

• Take breaks if you’re sitting/standing for long periods of time - it helps prevent undue stress on your back

• Gradually start any new activity

• Stretch before activity and exercise

• Maintain muscle strength - muscle weakness increases the chance of back injuries

• Use proper carrying and lifting techniques

• Use proper posture and positioning

• Stay at a healthy weight

Treatment of Back Injuries

Treatment for back injuries may include supplements and topical products, exercise for strength and flexibility, and weight management.  The above-listed preventive measures are also part of treatment - they can help protect the area and prevent further injury.

More involved treatment may include prescription medicines, injections, or surgery.

Keeping Your Core Strong

Your core is made up of the deep muscles of your abdomen and back. Having a strong core is essential to back health.

The core muscles include many muscle pairs such as the transversus abdominus, pelvic floor muscles, quadratus lumborum, erector spinae, and multifidus muscles).

Summary

The back is made of the spine, discs, nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other structures. Injuries – such as a muscle or tendon strain – are common and can lead to pain.

GoodPath’s personalized approach to care helps provide relief faster. Take our assessment to begin a well-rounded back pain program in 4 minutes or less.