Erector spina

Position

• Deep

Origin

• Pelvis

Insertion

• Columna
• Costa
• Caput

Commentary

• The erector spina group consists of several muscles, like the iliocostalis, longissimus and spinalis, which again are also considered muscle groups by themselves containing even more muscles
• As a consequence of this, naming the origin and insertion points is very generally defined

Main function

• Trunk
  • Extension
  • Lateral flexion
  • Ipsilateral rotation
• Pelvis
  • Anterior tilt

Secondary function

• Pelvis
  • Elevation
  • Contralateral rotation

Nerve innervation

• Peripheral
  • Dorsal rami of the cervical, thorocal and lumbar spina nerves

Arterial supply

• Dorsal branch of the posterior intercostal and lumbar arteries
• Thoracodorsal arteries

• Patient position
  • Prone
• Palpate laterally to the processus spinosi in the columna at the lumbar region
• Feel for the vertical orientation of the fibers from the erector spina
• Ask the patient to perform an extension movement of the back while you feel for contraction of the muscles