What muscles do lateral flexion?
Our focus for this month is on Lateral Flexion of the torso (Picture D). The primary muscles used in a side bend are: External/Internal Obliques, Quadratus Lumborum and the Erector Spinae. Quadratus Lumborum (QL) are muscles located deep in the sides of the lower back.
What is lateral flexion movement?
Flexion is the movement of a joint that increases the angle between the joint and the body part. Movement of a body part to the side is called lateral flexion. For example, when you move your head toward one of your shoulders or bend your body sideways, you’re performing a lateral flexion.
What joints can do lateral flexion?
JOINT | AXIS | MOTION |
---|---|---|
Atlanto-occipital (AO) lateral view; univ. of houston | lateral a-p | flexion/extension lateral flexion (limited) |
Atlanto-axial (AA) | vertical | rotation |
Intervertebral joints below C2* | vertical ap lateral | rotation lateral flexion flexion/extension |
What joint does the obliques flex?
External abdominal oblique muscle
Origin | External surfaces of ribs 5-12 |
---|---|
Insertion | Linea alba, pubic tubercle, anterior half of iliac crest |
Action | Bilateral contraction – Trunk flexion, compresses abdominal viscera, expiration Unilateral contraction – Trunk lateral flexion (ipsilateral), trunk rotation (contralateral) |
What limits lateral flexion?
Primary Spinal Ligaments Include:
Ligament | Spinal Region | Limits… |
---|---|---|
Supraspinous | Thoracic & Lumbar | Flexion |
Interspinous | Lumbar | Flexion |
Intertransverse | Lumbar | Lateral flexion |
Iliolumbar | Sacroiliac joints | Stability & some motion |
Are side bends bad for your spine?
Holding a dumbbell on one side of your body during side bends “puts the spine in a compromised position, and it’s hard to maintain alignment to isolate the obliques properly,” says Snow.
How can I improve my cervical lateral flexion?
This exercise works the side neck muscles that connect to your ribs.
- Interlace your fingers at the base of your spine.
- Lower your left shoulder and tilt your head to the right as far as you can.
- Hold this position for 15–30 seconds.
- Return to the starting position.
- Perform on the opposite side.
- Do each side 3 times.
Do oblique exercises widen your waist?
Oblique exercises can make your waist wider. If you build muscle mass in the obliques, they can develop a wide, square appearance. Adjust your exercise routine if you want to keep a slim waist while still maintaining a strong core.
What causes lateral flexion and extension of the spine?
All trunk flexors and extensors can produce lateral flexion when acting unilaterally. The major muscles involved are the rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques, erector spinae, semispinalis thoracis, latissimus dorsi, deep posterior spinal muscles, quadratus lumborum, and psoas.