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Muscles/Upper Back

Upper Back

interspinalis thoracis

in-ter-spy-NAH-lis tho-RAH-sis

Tiny interspinalis thoracis muscles between thoracic spinous processes fine-tune extension.

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Common Pain & Injury

Rare, postural.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Adjacent thoracic spinous processes

Insertion

Adjacent thoracic spinous processes

Actions

  • Thoracic extension

Innervation

Dorsal rami thoracic

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

Flexors

Synergists

Erector spinae

Trigger Points

None prominent.

Stretches

1Thoracic flexion

Common Conditions

Thoracic sprain

Anatomical Parts

Right interspinalis thoracisLeft interspinalis thoracis

FAQ

Interspinalis thoracis?

Small spinal extensors.

Exercises for interspinalis thoracis

20

Also Works interspinalis thoracis

10

Related Upper Back Muscles

Ascending part of left trapezius
Upper fibers of left trapezius elevate and retract scapula for shrugs and pulls. Key for posture and overhead strength. Left-side focus corrects imbalances.
Descending part of left trapezius
The descending part of the left trapezius fibers run downward from neck to scapula on the left side, aiding scapular depression and upward rotation. Key for pull-ups and lat work, preventing shoulder hike.
Descending part of right trapezius
The descending part of the right trapezius fibers slope from occiput to right scapula, depressing and upwardly rotating the scapula. Essential for balanced shoulder mechanics in bilateral lifts.
iliocostalis thoracis
Iliocostalis thoracis, mid erector spinae, runs parallel to spine from low-mid back to upper ribs, aiding thoracic extension and breathing. Supports rows, pulls, and posture in upper body training.
longissimus thoracis
The longest erector spinae muscle, running parallel to the spine from sacrum to mid-back, it extends the spine and maintains upright posture. Essential for deadlifts, squats, and spinal stability in powerlifting. Weakness leads to back rounding under load.
rhomboid major
The rhomboid major is a diamond-shaped muscle between your shoulder blades, retracting the scapula for better posture. It stabilizes during rows, pull-ups, and presses, countering slouched shoulders in gym-goers. Weak rhomboids lead to rounded posture and shoulder issues.
rhomboid minor
The rhomboid minor, above the major, connects upper thoracic spine to the shoulder blade's inner border. It retracts and stabilizes the scapula during upper body pulls. Essential for posture correction in lifters with desk jobs.
semispinalis thoracis
Semispinalis thoracis is a deep erector spinae muscle from thoracic spine, extending the vertebral column. Maintains thoracic posture during deadlifts and rows. Prevents slouching in prolonged sitting.

Upper Back Pain Guide

Common causes and relief

Activities & Sports

See which activities use interspinalis thoracis

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide