Upper Back Anatomy

Learn about these muscles their locations functional anatomy. The cause may be poor posture such as forward head posture or any type of irritation of the large back and shoulder muscles including muscle strain or spasms.

The Upper Back Muscles Stock Illustration Illustration Of

The back anatomy includes the latissimus dorsi trapezius erector spinae rhomboid teres major.

Upper back anatomy. Vertebrae there are 12 vertebrae in the thoracic spine. Upper back pain is most commonly caused by muscle irritation or tension also called myofascial pain. The cervical spine supports the weight and movement of your head and protects the nerves exiting your brain.

It is like that for several reasons all of which you can understand by looking at the anatomy of the thoracic spine. The cervical spine the neck and upper back composed of the seven vertebrae closest to the skull. The trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles connect the upper limb to the vertebral column.

In the upper back region the trapezius rhomboid major and levator scapulae muscles anchor the scapula and clavicle to the spines of several vertebrae and the occipital bone of the skull. When these muscles contract they elevate the pectoral girdle as in shrugging and move the scapula medially and posteriorly toward the center of the back as in rowing. Both the deltoid and the trapezius are firmly attached to the spine of the scapula.

It is very stiff and the thoracic spine has a limited range of motion. Your thoracic spinethe upper back or mid back regionis the most stable part of your spine.

Causes Of Upper Back Pain