Rise Above the Pain: Treating Erector Spinae Injuries

Learn about the effective treatments for erector spinae muscle injuries and get back to feeling like yourself again.
Erectore-spinae

The erector spinae muscles are a group of muscles that run along the back and are responsible for maintaining proper posture and supporting the spine. These muscles are long and thin, and they attach to the vertebrae of the spine as well as the pelvis and the ribcage. They are responsible for helping the body to stand upright and for allowing movement of the spine, such as bending or twisting. The erector spinae muscles work together with the abdominal muscles to support the spine and keep the body balanced. They are often used in exercises that focus on strengthening the back and improving posture.

Function of the Erector Spinae Muscle

The main function of the erector spinae muscles is to maintain proper posture and support the spine. These muscles work together to help the body stand upright and to allow movement of the spine, such as bending or twisting. They also play a role in stabilizing the spine and helping to distribute weight evenly across the body.

In addition to their role in posture and spinal stability, the erector spinae muscles also play a role in helping the body to move. They are involved in activities such as lifting, carrying, and pushing, and they help to generate force and power during these movements.

Overall, the erector spinae muscles are important for maintaining proper posture and spinal stability, as well as allowing the body to move effectively and perform various physical tasks.

Common Issues with a Erector Spinae Muscle

There are several common issues that can affect the erector spinae muscles, including:

  1. Muscle strain: This can occur when the muscles are overworked or subjected to sudden, excessive force, resulting in small tears in the muscle tissue. Symptoms of a muscle strain may include pain, muscle spasms, and difficulty moving.
  2. Muscle spasms: These are sudden, involuntary contractions of the muscles that can be caused by fatigue, overuse, or injury. Muscle spasms in the erector spinae can cause pain and difficulty moving.
  3. Poor posture: Poor posture, such as slouching or standing with an exaggerated arch in the back, can put excess strain on the erector spinae muscles and lead to pain and discomfort.
  4. Degeneration: With age, the erector spinae muscles can begin to degenerate, leading to weakness and a loss of function.
  5. Disc herniation: A disc herniation, also known as a slipped disc, can occur when the soft, spongy material inside the spine becomes displaced, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves and muscles. This can cause pain and other symptoms in the back and legs.

If you are experiencing any issues with your erector spinae muscles, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to stretch your Erector Spinae Muscle

Here are a few stretches that can help to stretch and strengthen the erector spinae muscles:

  1. Cat-cow stretch: Start on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Inhale and round your spine, tucking your chin to your chest and pushing your tailbone towards your knees (cow pose). Exhale and arch your back, reaching your tailbone towards the ceiling and looking up (cat pose). Repeat this movement for several reps.
  2. Child’s pose: Start on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Spread your knees wide apart and sit back on your heels, lowering your chest towards the ground and stretching your arms out in front of you. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  3. Supine spinal twist: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Cross your right knee over your left and allow it to fall towards the ground. Keep your left shoulder on the ground and use your left hand to gently push your right knee towards the ground. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds to 1 minute and then repeat on the other side.
  4. Seated forward bend: Sit on the ground with your legs extended in front of you. Reach your arms towards your feet and try to touch your toes. If you cannot reach your toes, simply reach as far as you can and hold the stretch for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Remember to always stretch slowly and gently, and never force your body into a position that feels painful or uncomfortable. It is also important to listen to your body and stop the stretch if you feel any pain. If you are unsure about how to properly stretch the erector spinae muscles or have any concerns about your fitness level, it is a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or a fitness professional.

How to Rehab your Erector Spinae Muscle

If you are rehabilitating the erector spinae muscles after an injury or surgery, it is important to follow a plan that has been tailored to your specific needs and goals. Here are some general steps that may be helpful in rehabilitating the erector spinae muscles:

  1. Consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist: It is important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from a healthcare provider or physical therapist. They can help you to understand the specific issues you are dealing with and recommend appropriate exercises and stretches to help you recover.
  2. Start with gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises: These exercises can help to increase flexibility and mobility in the muscles and reduce stiffness and discomfort.
  3. Gradually progress to strengthening exercises: Once you have gained some flexibility and mobility, you can begin to incorporate exercises that focus on strengthening the erector spinae muscles. These may include exercises such as planks, back extensions, and bird dogs.
  4. Pay attention to your posture: Poor posture can contribute to muscle strain and discomfort. Make an effort to maintain good posture while sitting, standing, and moving to help prevent further injuries.
  5. Take breaks and rest when needed: It is important to allow your muscles time to rest and recover, particularly if you are rehabilitating after an injury. Listen to your body and take breaks when you need them.

It is important to follow the guidance of a healthcare provider or physical therapist and not to push yourself too hard while rehabilitating the erector spinae muscles. If you experience any pain or discomfort while exercising, stop immediately and consult with a healthcare provider.

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Athlete’s Choice Massage was created to provide consistently excellent rehabilitative services for health-conscious people. Our team is extremely well-trained and they take pride in their work. They are constantly striving to learn and better themselves in their respective fields so that they can help you recover and aid in the maintenance of your well-being.

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All appointments will begin with a short but in-depth one-on-one assessment. This is your opportunity to point out what area you’d like to work on during your time, as well as identify any special requests or concerns you may have. Should you have more than one area of concern, your therapist will prioritize the chief complaint and create a treatment plan for the time allotted and for follow-ups as needed.

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