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Muscles/Upper Back

Upper Back

Thoracic rotator

thuh-RAS-ik ro-TAY-ter

Thoracic rotators likely refer to deep rotatores muscles spanning thoracic vertebrae, rotating the spine. Stabilize mid-back for posture in lifts like overheads.

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Common Pain & Injury

Mid-back stiffness with rotation, from desk work. Improves with mobility.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Transverse processes of thoracic vertebrae.

Insertion

Lamina above.

Actions

  • Ipsilateral thoracic rotation

Innervation

Dorsal rami thoracic nerves.

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

Contralateral rotatores

Synergists

Multifidus

Trigger Points

Refers segmentally to mid-back.

Stretches

1Seated twist
2Thread the needle
3Book opener

Common Conditions

Thoracic facet syndromeRotator strain

Anatomical Parts

Thoracic rotator

FAQ

Thoracic rotator muscles?

Deep rotatores rotate spine segments.

Mid back rotation pain?

From tight rotatores; stretch with twists.

Exercises for Thoracic rotator

20

Also Works Thoracic rotator

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

Upper Back Pain Guide

Common causes and relief

Activities & Sports

See which activities use Thoracic rotator

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide