Semispinalis thoracis

Looks like

A deep muscle of the chest spine, from lower chest transverse processes to the spines of the upper chest and lowest neck vertebrae.

What it does

Straightens the upper back and turns it to the opposite side.

Keeping it well

Rarely injured alone; general back strengthening keeps it fit.

Related conditions

• Botulism
• Fibromyalgia
• Frailty & falls in older age
• Heat exhaustion & heatstroke
• Malnutrition & refeeding syndrome
• Muscular dystrophy
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Sarcoma
• Sarcopenia
• Tetanus