Back Muscles And MassageThe back muscles near the spine are called paraspinals.
Paraspinals are divided into transversospinalis and erector spinae. They maintain our upright posture. Transversospinalis is made up of semispinalis, multifidus, and rotatores. Below are the study aids for back muscles for massage therapy students. SemispinalisOrigin is transverse process of one vertebral segment.Insertion is spinous process of 5th, 6th and 7th vertebral segments above for cervical and thoracic regions except for C1. Actions--extends vertebral column and rotates vertebral column.
RotatoresOrigin is transverse process of one vertebral segment.Insertion is spinous process of the second vertebral segment above. Actions--extends vertebral column and rotates vertebral column. They span 1 to 2 vertebrae and are the deepest of this group of back muscles. MultifidusOrigin is transverse process of one vertebral segment.Insertion is spinous process of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th vertebral segments above. Actions--extends vertebral column and rotates vertebral column. This muscle spans 2 to 4 vertebrae and is on top of the rotatores.
Erector Spinae is made up of spinalis, longissiumus, and Iliocostalis.
SpinalisOrigins are spinous processes of C4-T12 and nuchal ligament.Insertions are spinous processes of C2-T8 and occipital bone. Actions--extends head, extends vertebral column, and laterally flexes vertebral column. This back muscle is in the lamina groove and hugs the spine.
LongissimusOrigins are transverse processes of C4-T12, spinous processes of T1-L5, and posterior sacrum.Insertions are mastoid process, transverse processes of C2-T12, and ribs 4-12. Actions--extends head, extends vertebral column, laterally flexes vertebral column. This goes from the sacrum to the skull.
IliocostalisOrigins are posterior iliac crest, posterior sacrum, and ribs 1-12.Insertions are ribs 1-12 and transverse processes of C4-C6. Actions--extends vertebral column and laterally flexes vertebral column. The iliocostalis hugs the ribs (costals).
Quadratus LumborumAnother important muscle is the quadratus lumborum. This muscle lifts up the hip so it is also called the hip hiker muscle.Origin is posterior iliac crest. Insertions are rib 12 and transverse processes of L1-L4. Actions--anteriorly tilts pelvis, extends lumbar spine, laterally flexes vertebral column, and elevates hip.
Levator ScapulaeOrigin is transverse process of C1-C4.Insertion is medial border of scapula. Actions--laterally flexes neck, elevates scapula, and downwardly rotates scapula This is the only neck muscle to move the scapula.
Major and Minor RhomboidsOrigins are spinous processes of C7-T1 and spinous processes of T2-T5.Insertion is medial border of scapula from root of scapular spine to inferior angle. Actions--downwardly rotates scapula and retracts scapula.
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