Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyFunctionConditions and DisordersTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anatomy
Function
Conditions and Disorders
Treatment
Your back muscles support your spine, attach your pelvis and shoulders to your trunk, and provide mobility and stability to your trunk and spine. The five major muscles of the back are thetrapezius,latissimus dorsi, the rhomboids, the erectorspinae, and thelevator scapulae.
Back muscles are grouped into three categories. Superficial (extrinsic) back muscles help you move your shoulders, intermediate back muscles help you breathe, and intrinsic (deep) back muscles help control your vertebrae and posture.
When to see a healthcare provider for back painIf you are having intense pain that prevents you from moving or if you experience weakness, numbness, or tingling in your leg or legs, it is recommended you visit your physician. They can examine you and determine the best course of treatment for your back problem.
When to see a healthcare provider for back pain
If you are having intense pain that prevents you from moving or if you experience weakness, numbness, or tingling in your leg or legs, it is recommended you visit your physician. They can examine you and determine the best course of treatment for your back problem.
Back Muscles Anatomy
Your back consists of three distinct layers of muscles:
These layers of back muscles help mobilize and stabilize your trunk during your day-to-day activities. They also attach your shoulders and pelvis to your trunk, creating a bridge between your upper body and lower body.
Each muscle in the deep, intermediate, and superficial layers comes in pairs; there is one on the left and one on the right side of your body.
The Superficial Layer
The Intermediate Layer
The intermediate layer of back muscles includes the serratus posterior superior and inferior. These muscles course from your vertebral column to yourribsand assist yourdiaphragmand intercostal muscles in moving the ribs during breathing.
The Deep Layer
The deep layer of back muscles are also known as the intrinsic layer and reside closest to your spine. The deep layer consists of:
Upper and Lower Back MusclesThe major muscles in your upper back are the trapezius, rhomboids, levator scapulae, and latissimus dorsi. The latissimus dorsi extend into the lower back, which also includes the multifidus, quadratus lumborum, and erector spinae muscles.
Upper and Lower Back Muscles
The major muscles in your upper back are the trapezius, rhomboids, levator scapulae, and latissimus dorsi. The latissimus dorsi extend into the lower back, which also includes the multifidus, quadratus lumborum, and erector spinae muscles.
The function of your back muscles varies depending on the specific muscle and the direction of pull of each muscle. Many of the muscles work together; one muscle may provide movement to a joint while a neighboring muscle provides stability.
For example, the function of your latissimus dorsi is to extend your shoulder, pulling it backward. While this is happening, your middle and lower trapezius contracts to stabilize your shoulder blade.
Each individual muscle or muscle group in your back serves a distinct function. These functions include:
As stated earlier, the serratus posterior superior and inferior aid in moving the ribs during breathing.
Many problems with your back muscles cause pain or spasm, and most conditions resolve with rest, over-the-counter medicine, and gentle stretches.
What muscles are responsible for back pain?Lumbar muscle strains are a common cause of lower back pain. These muscles can be injured during activity or overuse.
What muscles are responsible for back pain?
Lumbar muscle strains are a common cause of lower back pain. These muscles can be injured during activity or overuse.
Back Injury Symptoms
Back injuries can cause symptoms such as:
How do I know if my back pain is muscular?
Most episodes of back pain or spasm are short-lived and resolve with conservative measures. If you have injured your back muscles, you may benefit from working with aphysical therapistto help you fully recover. Your therapist can assess your back muscles and determine what treatments are needed for your condition. Treatments may include:
If your muscular back pain lasts for more than four weeks, you may need to have more advanced diagnostic studies like an X-ray ormagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)to determine the underlying cause of your pain.These diagnostic tests show the bony and soft tissue anatomy of your spine and surrounding tissues.
Severe problems likesciaticaor nerve root compression may require more invasive procedures likesteroid injectionsor spinal surgery.The need for these procedures is rare; most episodes of back pain respond well to more conservative treatments.
Preventing Back Pain and InjuryExercises that strengthen the core (abdominals and lower back) can help to protect the spine from damage.When sitting at a desk, watch your posture and get up to stretch your legs every 20 minutes to an hour.Use proper form when lifting heavy objects—lift from your legs, not your back.Stretch your shoulders and back muscles regularly.
Preventing Back Pain and Injury
Exercises that strengthen the core (abdominals and lower back) can help to protect the spine from damage.When sitting at a desk, watch your posture and get up to stretch your legs every 20 minutes to an hour.Use proper form when lifting heavy objects—lift from your legs, not your back.Stretch your shoulders and back muscles regularly.
Exercises that strengthen the core (abdominals and lower back) can help to protect the spine from damage.
Summary
The muscles in your back help you move your shoulders and spine and help you breathe. These muscles are grouped into three categories: superficial, intermediate, and intrinsic. The muscles in each of these layers come in pairs.
Your back muscles can cause pain when they are strained or overworked or when there is damage to the bones of the spine. Most of these conditions will resolve with rest and conservative therapies.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cleveland Clinic.Lower back pain.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Low back strain and sprain.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.How worried should I be about my low back pain?
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cleveland Clinic.Lower back pain.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Low back strain and sprain.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.How worried should I be about my low back pain?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cleveland Clinic.Lower back pain.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Low back strain and sprain.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.How worried should I be about my low back pain?
Cleveland Clinic.Lower back pain.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Low back strain and sprain.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.How worried should I be about my low back pain?
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