The erector spinae muscles are paramount in spinal movement and stabilization, forming a critical component in the human musculoskeletal framework. This article will delve into the intricate anatomy and biomechanics of the erector spinae within the Motion Specific Release (MSR) context, underlining their pivotal roles in axial skeleton dynamics and postural support.
We will analyze the erector spinae's impact on movements such as extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the spine, alongside the implications of their dysfunction on overall musculoskeletal health. In addition, we will introduce MSR procedures tailored to optimize the function of these muscles, aiming to enhance therapeutic interventions for conditions related to spinal mechanics and back health.
Article Index:
Erector Spinae Anatomy & Biomechanics
Within the purview of spinal mechanics, the erector spinae muscle group is indispensable for vertebral column stabilization and dynamic movement. This complex array of muscles extends from the sacral region to the cervical spine and is segmented into three chief columns: the iliocostalis, longissimus, and spinalis. These muscles are not only pivotal in maintaining erect posture but also in controlling the fine-tuned movements of the spine.
Origin and Insertion:
Iliocostalis: This most lateral column originates from the iliac crests, sacral aponeurosis, and sacral and inferior lumbar spinous processes, inserting onto the angles of the lower ribs and cervical transverse processes.
Longissimus: The intermediate column begins from a common tendinous mass shared with the iliocostalis in the lumbar region, extending through to the thoracic transverse processes, and ascends to insertions on the ribs and mastoid process of the temporal bone.
Spinalis: The most medial column arises from the upper lumbar and lower thoracic spinous processes and inserts craniad to the spinous processes of the upper thoracic and cervical vertebrae.
Innervation:
The erector spinae group is innervated by the posterior rami of the spinal nerves. Each segmental nerve innervates its corresponding muscle fibers, allowing for both global and segmental motor control. The intimate relationship between these muscle groups and their innervation is crucial for the proprioceptive and reflexive actions of the spine.
Biomechanical Role:
Biomechanically, the erector spinae function as a complex unit to facilitate and control extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the spine. Their leverage capability is modulated by the intricate arrangement of their fibers and their relationship with the thoracolumbar fascia. The iliocostalis predominantly affects lateral flexion and extension, the longissimus thoracis contributes to extension and rotation, and the spinalis is primarily involved in extension.
Biomechanical Dynamics:
The erector spinae muscles work in a biomechanical sync with antagonistic flexor muscles to stabilize the vertebral column against anterior and lateral flexion forces. The length-tension relationship is critical in these muscles, as it determines the efficiency of force production during spinal movements. Furthermore, the erector spinae's role in proprioception and reflexive spinal stabilization is facilitated through a complex interplay with the nervous system, where muscle spindles within the erector spinae provide critical feedback for postural control and movement coordination.
MSR Perspective:
From the MSR perspective, the erector spinae are not merely considered as individual muscles but as integral components within a comprehensive biomechanical system. MSR techniques are predicated on a deep understanding of the anatomy and neuro-muscular mechanics of these muscles. Interventions are tailored to improve the erector spinae's functional capacity, addressing not only the muscles but also the fascial planes and neural elements that contribute to spinal movement and stability. Techniques are aimed at optimizing the myofascial relationships and enhancing the neuromuscular control that governs spinal alignment and mobility.
Motion Specific Release (MSR) Treatment
Initial Setup:
Patient Position: The patient is seated on the treatment table, providing unrestricted access to the erector spinae group along the spine, from the sacrum to the cervical region.
Practitioner Stance: The practitioner stands alongside the patient, with an emphasis on maintaining a posture that allows for the application of both broad and specific pressure techniques to the erector spinae.
Basic Technique:
Treatment Approach: Starting at the sacral base, the practitioner applies a series of pressures and movements, targeting the iliocostalis, longissimus, and spinalis in sequence (lateral to medial, inferior to superior tension), from their origins to their insertions (in regions needed.
Open Hand/Thumb/Forearm Placement: Open hand bent at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. Dorsal surface of phalanges used as contact on erector spinae. Tension is inferior to superior. When appropriate thumb or forearm contacts can be used.
Pressure Application: Pressure is carefully modulated, starting gently and increasing as the muscle releases, always within the patient's comfort threshold to facilitate relaxation and release without causing undue discomfort.
Force Generation:
Bilateral Traction: Gentle traction is applied bilaterally along the length of the erector spinae, encouraging elongation and relaxation of the muscle fibers.
Multidirectional Engagement: The patient’s torso is engaged in subtle movements to access the erector spinae’s different fiber directions, enhancing the release and promoting functional flexibility.
MSR Demonstration Video:
In the video, Dr. Abelson demonstrates the importance of integrating movement with MSR techniques. By moving the patient’s spine through various vectors while applying targeted pressure, the technique addresses not just the superficial layers but also the deeper muscle tissues, ensuring a thorough release of the entire erector spinae group.
Best Practices:
Time Allocation: Sufficient time is allotted for each segment of the erector spinae to ensure a meticulous and comprehensive treatment.
Kinetic Chains: The interconnectivity of the erector spinae with the entire spinal kinetic chain is acknowledged, with attention to how restrictions in one region can influence the entire spine.
Precautions:
Safety First: An assessment for contraindications is conducted, and informed consent is obtained before starting the treatment, ensuring patient safety.
Gentle Techniques: MSR is performed with a mindful approach to avoid exacerbating any pre-existing conditions or causing new discomfort.
Monitor Patient Feedback: Practitioner attentiveness to patient feedback allows for real-time adjustments in pressure and technique, personalizing the MSR experience.
Functional Kinetic Chains
The erector spinae's functional integration and kinetic role are fundamental in the biomechanical orchestration of the spine and trunk. To fully appreciate their contribution, it is essential to examine their myofascial connections and interactions with adjacent musculoskeletal structures.
Direct Myofascial Connections:
The erector spinae are connected to the spine's functional anatomy through distinct myofascial tracts, which include:
Thoracolumbar Fascia: This dense fibrous membrane provides a substantial anchor point for the erector spinae muscles. It integrates the forces from the lower limbs and transfers them to the spine, creating a contiguous biomechanical pathway that supports both posture and dynamic movements.
Interspinal Ligaments and Supraspinous Ligaments: These ligaments, running along the spine, provide attachment sites for the erector spinae fibers, ensuring close-packed stability and effective force distribution during spinal extension and rotation.
Synergists:
Muscles that synergize with the erector spinae in spinal movements include:
Multifidus and Rotatores: These deeper paraspinal muscles work with the erector spinae to stabilize individual vertebrae and modulate fine motor control, especially during rotational movements.
Quadratus Lumborum: This muscle aids in lateral flexion and stabilization of the lumbar spine, acting in concert with the erector spinae during these movements.
Stabilizers:
Muscles that provide stabilization in conjunction with the erector spinae include:
Abdominal Musculature: The rectus abdominis, obliques, and transversus abdominis muscles counterbalance the erector spinae, supporting the trunk and maintaining intra-abdominal pressure.
Psoas Major: As a primary hip flexor, the psoas major also contributes to lumbar spine stabilization, acting as a stabilizer during spinal extension and anterolateral flexion.
Antagonists:
Muscles that serve as antagonists to the erector spinae include:
Abdominal Muscle Group: In the context of spinal flexion, the abdominal muscles oppose the erector spinae, providing a balanced interplay for movement and stability.
Gluteal Muscles: During hip extension, the gluteal muscles counteract the lumbar extension force of the erector spinae, ensuring a harmonized action in the lumbopelvic region.
Understanding these myofascial and functional relationships is crucial for the effective application of MSR techniques. This knowledge allows for a comprehensive approach to treatment, addressing the full spectrum of influences on spinal mechanics. Targeted MSR interventions can be developed to correct dysfunctions within this chain, enhancing movement efficiency and overall functional integrity of the spine.
Exercise
Exercise plays a crucial role in myofascial therapy, aimed at improving flexibility, building strength, and proprioception. Tailored exercises are chosen to match each individual's unique requirements, and the accompanying videos provide examples of potential exercises that may be recommended depending on the case at hand.
How To Do Child's Pose
The Child's Pose exercise elongates and decompresses the spine, relieving tension in the lower back, hips, and shoulders. Simultaneously, it also stretches gently for the muscles surrounding the vertebral column, contributing to improved postural alignment and flexibility.
The 6 Minute Plank Routine – Intermediate Level
While primarily a core exercise, planks also work the erector spinae isometrically. Maintain a straight line from your head to your heels, engaging your core and back muscles. Intermediate Level" is a great way to move on from the beginner level plank routine. We would recommend practicing them routine for several weeks before attempting the advances plank routine.
Improve Your Balance - Advanced Exercises
Balance exercises strengthen the erector spinae muscles by improving proprioception and stabilization, leading to enhanced spinal alignment and posture. These exercises necessitate the engagement of the core, including the erector spinae, to maintain the body's center of gravity, which in turn increases functional strength and muscle coordination. , reduces the risk of injury, and improve overall movement efficiency.
Conclusion
In summarizing, the erector spinae muscles play a critical role in both stabilizing the spine and enabling its movement. This article has provided a focused look at their anatomy and biomechanics, essential for practitioners when considering interventions for spinal health. The application of MSR techniques, as discussed, is just one of many approaches that may support the function and integrity of these key muscles.
The MSR approach described aims to complement the understanding of spinal mechanics, offering a way to address erector spinae dysfunctions through specific manual techniques and exercises. It is one tool among many in the field of manual therapy, with the potential to aid in improving spinal function.
References
Abelson, B., Abelson, K., & Mylonas, E. (2018, February). A Practitioner's Guide to Motion Specific Release, Functional, Successful, Easy to Implement Techniques for Musculoskeletal Injuries (1st edition). Rowan Tree Books.
Bialosky, J. E., Bishop, M. D., Price, D. D., Robinson, M. E., & George, S. Z. (2009). The mechanisms of manual therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain: A comprehensive model. Manual Therapy, 14(5), 531-538.
Cleland, J. A., Childs, J. D., McRae, M., Palmer, J. A., & Stowell, T. (2004). Immediate effects of thoracic manipulation in patients with neck pain: A randomized clinical trial. Manual Therapy, 9(2), 77-82
Koppenhaver, S. L., Hebert, J. J., Fritz, J. M., Parent, E. C., Teyhen, D. S., & Magel, J. S. (2011). Reliability of rehabilitative ultrasound imaging of the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus muscles. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 92(1), 87-94.
Langevin, H. M., & Sherman, K. J. (2007). Pathophysiological model for chronic low back pain integrating connective tissue and nervous system mechanisms. Medical Hypotheses, 68(1), 74-80.
Leininger, B., Bronfort, G., Evans, R., & Reiter, T. (2011). Spinal manipulation or mobilization for radiculopathy: A systematic review. Physical Therapy, 91(3), 365-376.
Pickar, J. G. (2002). Neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulation. The Spine Journal, 2(5), 357-371.
Shum, G. L., Tsung, B. Y., & Lee, R. Y. (2013). The immediate effect of posteroanterior mobilization on reducing back pain and the stiffness of the lumbar spine. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 94(4), 673-679.
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DR. BRIAN ABELSON, DC. - The Author
With over 30 years of clinical practice and experience in treating over 25,000 patients with a success rate of over 85%, Dr. Abelson created the powerful and effective Motion Specific Release (MSR) Treatment Systems.
As an internationally best-selling author, he aims to educate and share techniques to benefit the broader healthcare community.
A perpetual student himself, Dr. Abelson continually integrates leading-edge techniques into the MSR programs, with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary care. His work constantly emphasizes patient-centred care and advancing treatment methods. His practice, Kinetic Health, is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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