Superficial muscles are those that are more external than others.
In other words, they are closer to the surface of the body.
And like all muscles, they can be injured.
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It only needs to be closer to the body’s surface than another body part.
The most external layer ofback musclesis a group of four called the extrinsic back muscles.
They include:
The trapezius muscle is the most superficial of all back muscles.
The latissimus dorsi is next.
Because each of the extrinsic muscles is large, it’s easy to find them.
Of course, back muscles and other structures don’t stop at the superficial layer.
Several more layers of back muscles live beneath the extrinsic group.
Superficial Core Anatomy
Your core muscles are your abdominalsthe essential muscles that protect your back.
The rectus abdominus is the most superficial ab muscle.
Underneath the rectus abdominus lie five other ab muscles.
They are:
The rectus abdominus is superficial to the external obliques.
The external obliques are superficial to the internal obliques.
How These Muscles Function
Your superficial back muscles control how you move yourshoulders and neck.
Your rectus abdominus muscle helps you tuck under your pelvis.
It also allows you to contract or pull down on your upper body and ribs.
It’s the muscle you feel when you do a crunch or sit-up.
You also use this muscle when you cough or have a bowel movement.
And as you might expect, it plays a significant role in childbirth.
The most common injuries to superficial muscles are strains and tears.
Symptoms of amuscle straininclude:
Mild strains often heal on their own.
If your muscle strain is more severe, it’s good to see a healthcare provider.
You may need an imaging test to see the extent of the damage.
You may also need to work with aphysical therapistwho can guide you through recovery.
Tears
It’s rare for one of the muscles in your back or your core to tear.
Strenuous exercise can also cause a tear in the rectus abdominus.
Tears are more common in vulnerable spots.
An example is a spot where the muscle and tendon join.
This is calleddiastasis recti.
This injury most commonly occurs in pregnancy due to the increased tension on the abdominal wall.
However, it is also common in newborns.This tear can heal on its own or after giving birth.
It rarely requiressurgical repair.
Tears can be mild or severe.
What Recovery Can Look Like
Recovering from amuscle strainor tear takes time.
Many people work with a physical therapist to rebuild strength with a customized program of exercises.
If you have a severe tear or rupture, you may need surgery to repair the injury.
Summary
Superficial muscles of your back and core are located just beneath your skin.
That includes the latissimus dorsi, trapezius, rhomboid, and levator scapula muscles in your back.
In your core, the outermost muscle is the rectus abdominus.
you’re free to injure these muscles through overuse or sudden traumas.
A mild muscle strain will cause pain and swelling.
More severe injuries could cause bruising or limit your ability to move.
Henson B, Kadiyala B, Edens MA.
Anatomy,Back, Muscles.
[Updated 2021 Aug 10].
In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.
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