Muscles of the Spine

The muscles of the spine are important tissues because they help support the weight of the body and control the movement that we expect from our back and neck. These important muscles allow for a wide range of movements including flexion, extension, the ability to pivot, and to rotate. The muscles of the spine are also prone to injury, which makes regular exercise particularly important.

Pain

The muscles of the spine are directly related to back and neck pain in two ways. First, strained muscles can lead to significant pain. Nearly everyone will tweak their back or neck doing something as simple as housework or playing a round of golf at some point in their lives. The other way the muscles of the spine can relate to pain is that muscle weakness or soreness in the muscles can actually be a symptom of the presence of a degenerative spine condition. As we age, our spinal anatomy gradually wears down. Eventually, the intervertebral discs that cushion the spine become brittle, the vertebral joints become arthritic, and the nearby soft tissue can become inflamed. If this results in the compression of one of the nerves in the spinal column, the muscles that are innervated by the compressed nerves can be affected.

Ways to Avoid Back and Neck Discomfort

The good news is that there are many ways to keep the muscles of the spine strong in order to prevent many injuries and limit the effects of a degenerative spine condition. Some of the most effective techniques include:

• Keep up good posture
• Practicing safe lifting habits
• Avoiding needless repetitive activities
• Limiting participation in high-impact exercises
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Exercising regularly

If you are experiencing back pain that you think can be traced to the muscles of the spine, it is a good idea to visit your doctor. In most cases, minor strains can be managed at home with a series of conservative, noninvasive techniques, such as the use of pain medication, anti-inflammatories, hot/cold compresses, and light exercise. Physical therapy, spinal manipulation, and massage can also be extremely beneficial to patients suffering from an injured muscle. If it is determined that a degenerative spine condition is causing your discomfort, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn about how one of our advanced endoscopic procedures may be able to help you find relief from back and neck pain.