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The longissimus muscle is a long, thick, deep muscle of the back, which is part of the erector spinae group. It is the longest, thickest, and most central of the erector spinae muscles, which are the most powerful extensors of the vertebral column. The longissimus is made up of three muscles: the longissimus capitis, cervicis, and thoracis. These muscles run up the spinal column from the lower back to the neck. The longissimus capitis, in particular, can be strained by prolonged overhead activities, the use of a cervical collar, or stress. This can cause neck stiffness and pain around the ear, neck, and eye. To stretch the longissimus thoracis, one can try the child's pose from yoga, which involves sitting on one's knees and bending forward to stretch out the torso and spine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Deep muscle of the back |
| Group | Erector spinae |
| Parts | Longissimus capitis, cervicis, thoracis |
| Function | Controls degree of flexion of the trunk |
| Location | Vertebral column, from lower back to neck |
| Stabilization | Global stabilizer of the back |
| Flexion | Limited by passive tension of longissimus muscle |
| Lateral flexion | Limited by passive tension of contralateral erector spinae muscles |
| Rotation | Longissimus capitis rotates the head |
| Stretching | Child's pose in yoga, stretching each side separately |
| Testing | Palpation, Goodheart's quadratus lumborum test |
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What You'll Learn
Longissimus thoracis et lumborum
The longissimus muscle is a long, thick, deep muscle of the back, which is part of the erector spinae group. It is the longest and thickest muscle of the erector spinae and lies between the spinalis and iliocostalis muscles. The longissimus is divided into three parts based on their superior attachments and location: the Longissimus Capitis, Longissimus Cervicis, and Longissimus Thoracis.
The Longissimus Thoracis et Lumborum is the intermediate and largest of the continuations of the erector spinae. It is inserted by rounded tendons into the tips of the transverse processes of all the thoracic vertebrae. In the lumbar region (longissimus lumborum), it is blended with the iliocostalis, and some of its fibres are attached to the whole length of the posterior surfaces of the transverse processes and the accessory processes of the lumbar vertebrae. In the thoracic region (longissimus thoracis), it is inserted into the lower nine or ten ribs between their tubercles and angles.
The longissimus thoracis et lumborum is often referred to by meat scientists due to its relative mass, commercial importance, and variability in quality. It is sometimes referred to as longissimus dorsi, though this is not considered anatomically precise.
The longissimus muscle as a whole has a role in controlling the degree of flexion of the trunk. It is the most powerful extensor of the vertebral column, and its main actions include spine extension and lateral flexion.
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Longissimus capitis
The longissimus muscle is a long, thick, and central erector spinae muscle that runs along the vertebral column. It is divided into three parts: Longissimus Capitis, Longissimus Cervicis, and Longissimus Thoracis. The focus here is on the Longissimus Capitis.
The longissimus capitis muscle plays a crucial role in rotating and laterally flexing the head. It also helps stabilize the cervical spine anteriorly. However, it is susceptible to strain due to various factors such as prolonged overhead activities, use of a cervical collar for extended periods, and stress. Symptoms of a strained longissimus capitis include neck stiffness, tenderness in the back of the head and neck, and scalp numbness or tingling.
To alleviate tension and stiffness in the longissimus capitis muscle, specific stretches can be performed. One such stretch involves standing with feet shoulder-width apart and placing both hands on the forehead. Gently push forward on the head, slowly increasing the tension while preventing head movement using the neck muscles. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds. Repeat the stretch with hands placed behind the head, interlocking the fingers, and gradually pulling the head toward the chest.
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Longissimus cervicis
The longissimus muscle is a long, intrinsic muscle of the back. It is the longest, thickest, and most central muscle of the erector spinae group, which runs along the entire length of the vertebral column. The erector spinae muscles are the most powerful extensors of the vertebral column.
The longissimus is divided into three parts: longissimus capitis, cervicis, and thoracis. These parts are based on their superior attachments and locations. The longissimus cervicis is the middle portion of the muscle, located between longissimus capitis and longissimus thoracis.
The longissimus cervicis is innervated by the lateral branches of the posterior/dorsal rami of cervical spinal nerves. It receives arterial blood from the vertebral artery, deep cervical artery, and deep branch of the transverse cervical artery.
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Stretching the longissimus muscle
The longissimus muscle is a long, thick, deep muscle of the back, which is part of the erector spinae group. It is the longest and most central muscle of this group and is divided into three parts: longissimus capitis, longissimus cervicis, and longissimus thoracis. These three muscles can be stretched simultaneously as they all perform the same action of extending the spine.
To stretch the longissimus muscle, you need to flex your spine, which means folding forwards with your upper body. It is important to be gentle and cautious when performing these stretches as aggressive flexion of the spine can be dangerous. Make sure to breathe steadily in through your nose and out through your mouth, and avoid holding your breath, which can cause muscle tension. Hold each stretch for 60 seconds.
A simple stretch for the erector spinae group involves sitting on the floor with your legs in front of you and your knees slightly bent. Keep your heels on the ground and pull your toes gently towards your shins. Wrap your arms under your thighs and hug them. Lean forward from your hips to flex your back, tucking your chin. Hold this position for 60 seconds.
Another stretch for the longissimus thoracis specifically involves stretching each side separately. Sit on the ground with your legs stretched out in front of you. If you are stretching your right side, bend your left leg at the knee and bring your left foot beyond your right leg. Place your left hand on the floor behind you for support. Bring your right hand around your left knee with your arm straight. Hold for 30 seconds to a minute and then repeat on the other side.
Stiffness and pain in the neck and head region may be a sign of longissimus capitis strain. To stretch this muscle, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place both hands on your forehead and gently push your head forward, slowly increasing the tension. Prevent head movement by using your neck muscles. Once you reach the desired amount of pressure, hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat this procedure with your hands placed over your head and interlocking your fingers. Then, sit on the floor and place your hands behind your head, interlocking your fingers, with your elbows facing straight ahead. Pull your head towards your chest and hold for 20-30 seconds. Finally, slowly look up towards the ceiling and hold for another 20-30 seconds.
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Longissimus muscle strain
The longissimus muscle is a long, thick, intrinsic muscle of the back, which is part of the erector spinae group. It is not one muscle, but a collection of three separate muscles: the capitis, cervicis, and thoracis. These muscles run up nearly the entire length of both sides of the spinal column, from the lower back up to the neck.
The longissimus thoracis is the longest, thickest, and most central of the erector spinae muscle group. It is divided into a lumbar and thoracic portion, with some debate as to whether the lumbar section is a separate muscle (longissimus lumborum) or part of the longissimus thoracis. The longissimus capitis and longus colli stabilize the cervical spine anteriorly, and injury can occur with a high-velocity whiplash mechanism.
A longissimus capitis strain can be caused by a blow to the head or neck region during sports, assault, or a motor vehicle crash. It can also be caused by prolonged overhead activities, the use of a cervical collar for extended periods, or stress. Symptoms of a longissimus strain include neck stiffness, neck pain, headaches, and pain spreading throughout the body.
To help alleviate the pain and tension caused by a longissimus strain, there are a few simple exercises that can be performed. These include:
- Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, placing both hands on the forehead, and gently pushing the head forward, slowly increasing the tension. Once the desired amount of pressure is reached, hold for 20-30 seconds.
- Sitting on the floor with good posture, placing hands behind the head with interlocking fingers, and elbows facing straight ahead. Gradually pull the head toward the chest and hold for 20-30 seconds.
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Frequently asked questions
The longissimus is a deep muscle of the back, which is part of the erector spinae group. It is the longest, thickest and most central erector spinae muscle. It is made up of three parts: longissimus capitis, longissimus cervicis, and longissimus thoracis.
One way to stretch and feel the longissimus thoracis muscle is to do what is sometimes referred to as the child's pose in yoga. From a kneeling position, bend forward with your torso so your forehead touches the ground. Stretch both hands forward and push them out as far as you can. You should feel the stretch in your back.
Neck stiffness and pain around the ear, neck and behind the eye are common signs of a longissimus capitis strain. This can be caused by prolonged overhead activities, stress, acute trauma, or chronic emotional stress.
