Spinal Muscles

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The spinal muscles, along with the system of spinal ligaments, control the spine's ability to maintain balance and stability when you stand or move. Spinal muscles are attached to the spine and are a very complex system responsible for coordinating thousands of intricate body movements. Muscles are the only tissues in your body that are capable of contracting and relaxing. When a muscle contracts, the tissue becomes shorter and thicker. Certain muscles work in pairs or as antagonists. This means when one muscle contracts, the antagonistic or opposing muscle relaxes. This phenomenon of muscle contraction and

When a muscle is put under enough stress, it can spasm and tense up into knots. This is referred to as muscle strain - a common and significant cause of back pain. Our back muscles allow us to stand up straight and lift things. In the normal situation, the back muscles contract and relax as the back moves. But under strain, the poorly conditioned muscle can spasm, tensing up until it becomes a hard painful knot. Stretching and exercise will help prevent repeat strains.