GENERAL INFORMATION
The levatores costarum are a group of deep muscles of the posterior thoracic wall located in the chest region. Specifically, the levatores costarum muscles consist of twelve pairs, with one muscle on each side of the spine for each rib. Consequently, these muscles play a crucial role in rib movement and stabilisation.
ORIGIN OF LEVATORES COSTARUM
This muscle originates from the transverse processes of the vertebrae. Specifically, each muscle originates from the transverse process of the vertebra superior to the corresponding rib. For example, the left levator costarum muscle originates from the transverse process of the vertebra above the left rib. Therefore, their origin points are well-positioned to support their function in rib elevation.
INSERTION POINT
The muscles insert into the posterior surface of the rib below the vertebra from which they originate. For instance, the left levator costarum muscle inserts into the posterior surface of the left rib below the vertebra from which it originates. Thus, their insertion points are essential for facilitating rib movement.
MAJOR ARTERIES
These muscles receive their blood supply from various arteries, including the posterior intercostal arteries, which are branches of the thoracic aorta. Consequently, these arteries ensure that the muscles receive adequate blood flow to perform their functions effectively.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The muscles are innervated by the posterior rami of the spinal nerves, specifically the posterior rami of the upper twelve thoracic nerves. Therefore, proper nerve function is crucial for the activation and control of the levatores costarum muscles.
TRIGGER POINT
The levatores costarum muscles can develop trigger points, which are localised areas of tenderness and tightness. Trigger points in these muscles can cause pain in the back and may refer to pain along the corresponding rib. Addressing these trigger points through massage or other therapies can alleviate discomfort and improve muscle function.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
Contraction of these muscles results in the elevation and lateral movement of the ribs during breathing. They assist in inhalation by expanding the thoracic cavity, making them essential for effective inhalation.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
These muscles have a limited eccentric function during exhalation. They control the descent and return of the ribs to their resting position, maintaining stability during this process.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
When these muscles contract isometrically, they provide stability and support to the ribs and spine. Therefore, they offer essential support during various physical activities.
RELATED MUSCLES (SCIENTIFIC NAMES)
- Levatores Costarum: Comprise individual muscles that function collectively to elevate the ribs, aiding in respiratory processes.
ANTAGONIST MUSCLES
- Internal Intercostal Muscles: Primarily responsible for forced exhalation, they lower the ribs and oppose the levatores costarum.
- External Intercostal Muscles: These muscles assist with rib elevation during inhalation, working synergistically with the levatores costarum but are antagonistic during other respiratory phases.
COMMON INJURIES
- Muscle Strains: Can occur from overexertion during physical activities that involve twisting or lifting, leading to sharp pain and restricted movement.
- Trigger Points: Development in these muscles can cause persistent pain that radiates along the ribs, complicating diagnosis and management.
EXERCISES
- Rows: Strengthen the upper back and indirectly engage the levatores costarum by stabilising the rib movement.
- Deadlifts: Involve the back muscles, including the levatores costarum, promoting overall back strength and stability.
- Lat Pulldowns: While primarily targeting the latissimus dorsi, they also engage the levatores costarum through the movement of the scapula.
- Pull-ups: An effective compound exercise that requires the stabilisation of the rib cage, indirectly working the levatores costarum.
- Back Extensions: These specifically strengthen the lower back and help stabilise the thoracic region where the levatores costarum are located.
STRETCHES
- Seated or Standing Thoracic Rotations: Help in loosening the thoracic spine and indirectly stretching the levatores costarum.
- Cat-cow stretches: These enhance spinal flexibility and encourage gentle movement of the ribs, which is beneficial for the levatores costarum.
- Foam Roller Exercises: Rolling the thoracic spine can release tension in the upper back, including the levatores costarum.
- Yoga Poses like the Cobra or Camel: These poses extend the thoracic spine and can help elongate and relax the levatores costarum.
- Breathing Exercises: Deep, controlled breathing can stretch these muscles from within by expanding the rib cage during inhalation.
Incorporating these exercises and stretches into a fitness routine can enhance the strength and flexibility of the levatores costarum, improve respiratory function, and support spinal stability, contributing to overall wellbeing and injury prevention.