Erector spinae muscles

Organization and role

They act bilaterally to control extension and asymmetrically during some lateral movements. Their activity varies with load, task and other trunk muscles.

Clinical relevance and investigation

Pain and fatigue do not prove isolated weakness of this group. Follow-up emphasizes activity tolerance, endurance and individualized exercise progression.

Points to consider

Trunk and neck muscles contribute to different tasks depending on position and load. Local pain does not prove that one muscle is the sole cause. Assessment also considers strength, endurance, movement and the demands of usual activities.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Quadratus lumborum muscle — Deep posterior abdominal wall muscle linking the pelvis, lumbar transverse processes and twelfth rib.
• Psoas major muscle — Muscle connecting the thoracolumbar and lumbar region to the femoral lesser trochanter, contributing to hip flexion and lumbar mechanics.
• Transversus abdominis muscle — Deep abdominal wall muscle with mainly transverse fibers contributing to abdominal pressure control and trunk function.

Medical references

1. OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — Axial Muscles of the Head, Neck, and Back.
2. Radiological Society of North America. RadLex Radiology Lexicon — terminology resource.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.