It’s been a slightly quieter week for us, which has actually been quite nice after the busy run we’ve had recently.
On Tuesday we hosted our Balance & Falls Workshop, which was a really interesting session. One of the highlights was testing out the Liberty patches from SuperPatch, and we saw some really encouraging results with improvements in balance almost immediately for some people. It’s always fascinating to see how small neurological inputs can make a big difference. If you’re curious about how these patches work or whether they could help you, just let us know and we can point you in the right direction.
We’re also looking ahead to Mother’s Day next week and to celebrate we’re running a two for one massage offer. You can treat someone special in your life to a relaxing hour long massage, and the second one is completely free. It’s available at both our Addlestone and West Byfleet clinics, so if you’re thinking about giving the gift of relaxation (or quietly booking one for yourself), now’s a good time.
On the sporting front, things remain… tense. Bournemouth are doing a decent job of holding steady in the middle of the table, but the last three games have all been draws. Solid, yes but it definitely keeps the nerves going!
And of course we’re into the fourth weekend of the Six Nations, so good luck to everyone supporting their teams. England fans especially will be hoping we can pull something out of the bag after a fairly frustrating start to the tournament.
Here’s hoping for a good weekend of rugby, football and maybe even a bit of spring sunshine.
https://westchiropractic.superpatch.com/
Back pain is one of the most common issues I see in the clinic. Many patients say things like, “My back just feels tight,” or “It feels like I pulled something.” In many cases, the discomfort isn’t coming from the spine alone, it’s often related to the muscles that support and move the spine.
Your back muscles work constantly throughout the day. Whether you’re sitting at your desk, lifting groceries, exercising or simply standing upright, these muscles help stabilize your spine and allow your body to move efficiently. When they become strained, weak or overworked, pain and stiffness can develop.
Understanding how these muscles function can help you take better care of your back and reduce the risk of injury.
The Main Groups of Back Muscles
Your back muscles are typically organized into three layers, each playing a slightly different role in supporting the body.
Superficial Muscles: Power and Movement
The superficial muscles are the outermost muscles of the back. These are the muscles responsible for large, powerful movements involving the shoulders and upper back.
Important muscles in this group include:
- Latissimus dorsi – Large muscles that run along the mid to lower back and assist with pulling movements.
- Trapezius – A broad muscle extending from the neck to the middle of the back that helps move and stabilize the shoulders.
- Rhomboids – Smaller muscles between the shoulder blades that help pull the shoulders backward.
These muscles are heavily involved in movements like lifting, pulling, reaching overhead, and maintaining upper-body posture. When people spend long hours sitting or working at computers, this area can become tight and fatigued.
Intermediate Muscles: Assisting Rib Movement
The intermediate muscles sit beneath the superficial layer and primarily help support rib movement during breathing. They also contribute to stability in the mid back region.
Two muscles commonly included in this layer are:
- Serratus posterior superior
- Serratus posterior inferior
While these muscles are not a common source of pain on their own, restrictions in this area can contribute to stiffness in the mid back or rib region.
Deep Muscles: Stabilizing the Spine
The deepest layer of muscles sits closest to the spine and plays a critical role in stability and posture.
Key muscles include:
- Erector spinae – A group of muscles that run along the spine and help keep you upright.
- Multifidus – Small stabilizing muscles that support individual spinal joints.
- Rotatores – Muscles that assist with small rotational movements of the spine.
Research has shown that in some people with ongoing back pain, stabilizing muscles such as the multifidus can become weak or inactive, which may reduce spinal support and increase strain on surrounding tissues.
How Everyday Habits Affect Back Muscles
Many back muscle problems don’t come from sudden injuries. Instead, they often develop gradually due to daily habits.
Common contributors include:
Prolonged Sitting
Sitting for long periods can cause certain muscles to weaken while others tighten, particularly in the lower back and hips.
Poor Posture
Forward head posture and rounded shoulders increase the workload on back muscles, leading to fatigue and tension.
Sudden Physical Activity
Jumping into heavy lifting or intense exercise without preparation can overload muscles that are not conditioned for the activity.
Supporting Healthy Back Muscles
Keeping your back muscles healthy doesn’t require complicated routines. A few simple habits can make a significant difference:
- Move regularly if you sit for long periods
- Strengthen your core muscles, which help support the spine
- Pay attention to posture during work and daily activities
- Stay physically active with regular movement and stretching
When someone is experiencing persistent back discomfort, we often look at both spinal mobility and muscle function. Chiropractic care may involve spinal adjustments alongside rehabilitation exercises or supportive therapies such as acupuncture, spinal decompression therapy, or shockwave therapy when appropriate.
Of course, every patient is different, and the most appropriate care always depends on a proper assessment.
Final Thoughts
Your back muscles are an essential part of your body’s support system. They stabilize the spine, allow movement, and help you maintain posture throughout the day.
When these muscles become strained or imbalanced, discomfort can develop but with the right understanding and care, many issues can be managed effectively.
If you’ve been experiencing ongoing back tightness or discomfort, a discovery visit at our clinic can help us better understand what’s happening and explore options that may support your long term spinal health.
References
- Standring, S. (Ed.). (2021). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42nd ed.). Elsevier. Comprehensive reference text detailing musculoskeletal anatomy, including spinal and paraspinal muscle groups.
- Bogduk, N. (2005). Clinical Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine and Sacrum (4th ed.). Churchill Livingstone. Widely cited clinical reference explaining spinal structure, muscle function, and mechanisms of back pain.
- MacDonald, D., Moseley, G., & Hodges, P. (2006). “The lumbar multifidus: Does the evidence support clinical beliefs?” Manual Therapy, 11(4), 254–263. Research examining the role of the multifidus muscle in spinal stability and chronic back pain.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). “Low Back Pain.” Educational resources explaining the structure and function of the spine and supporting muscles.
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). “Low Back Pain Fact Sheet.” Overview of spinal anatomy, causes of back pain, and musculoskeletal contributions to spinal health.
- Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT). Research on spinal stabilization, posture, and rehabilitation exercises for back pain.
- Cleveland Clinic Health Library. “Back Muscles: Anatomy and Function.” Patient-friendly explanations of the major muscle groups supporting the spine.
