Anatomy
Erector Spinae Muscles
The erector spinae are the columns of muscle on either side of the spine. When you “throw your back out”, they are often what you feel tighten up.
- Erector spinae
Where is it?
The group includes iliocostalis, longissimus and spinalis. They run from the pelvis and sacrum up to the ribs, vertebrae and base of the skull, beneath the thoracolumbar fascia.
What does it do?
They straighten and support the spine, control forward bending and help with side bending. They work constantly when standing and when lifting.
Common problems
Each problem has its own detailed page: symptoms, causes, treatment and when to seek care.
How we can help
When to seek care
Book an appointment if pain lasts more than a few days, keeps returning or travels down the leg. Loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness between the legs, increasing weakness, fever or pain after a major fall need urgent care.
Frequently asked questions
Other areas of the body
Educational content: it does not replace an assessment. Your therapist determines the cause of your symptoms in person.