Trigger Points in the erector spinae muscles are commonly associated with lower back pain.

Over 30 million Americans experience lower back pain, and it is one of the most common reasons for missed work and the second most common reason for a doctor’s visit.

Recent studies have shown that shoe insoles, back belts, ergonomic interventions, or education alone had little effect in reducing symptoms, but that exercise (including stretching and strengthening) made a significant difference in almost 50% of cases.

Part of the reason for this is that exercise can help dissipate trigger points, and when combined with trigger point therapy can provide extremely effective relief, both short and long term.

The Erector Spinae muscle actually consists of three columns of muscles, the Iliocostalis, Longissimus, and Spinalis, each running parallel on either outer side of the vertebra and extending from the lower back of the skull all the way down to the Pelvis.

The Erector Spinae provides the resistance that assists in the control action of bending forward at the waist as well as acting as powerful extensors to promote the return of the back to the erect position.

During full flexion (i.e., when touching fingertips to floor), the Erector Spinae Muscles are relaxed and strain is borne entirely by the ligaments of the back.

On the reversal of the movement, the Erector Spinae in conjunction with the Hamstrings and Gluteus Maximus muscles (buttocks) is primarily responsible for the extension of the back (straightening of the spine) as well as more specific movements such as the extension of the neck and sidewards movement of the head.

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You may also be interested in the following online trigger point certification courses:

Trigger Point Therapy for Low Back Pain

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Contemporary Approach to Low Back Pain

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