The serratus posterior superior muscle is located on the human back and belongs to the superficial ones. It is a steam room, attached directly to the rib and, in comparison with other superficial ones, lies deep.
General information
The named muscle is located under the rhomboid. It belongs to the third layer of muscles covering the human back. In structure, this organ is flat. The nuchal ligament - its lower part is the place where the serratus muscle is attached. The bundles of the latter are directed downward, obliquely, pass to the outer surface of 2-5 ribs, to which they are attached, lateral to their corners.
The muscle, the beginning of which is the protruding ligament, depending on the fitness of the body, may have a large number of bundles, or may be completely absent.
When it is reduced, the upper part of the ribs that make up the chest rises, which allows a person to breathe.
Nearest neighbor
The serratus posterior superior muscle is located in close proximity to the inferior serratus posterior muscle. And that is next to the latissimus dorsi muscle, directly in front of it. The muscle also takes its beginning from the tendon plate, but located on the 1st and 2nd lumbar, as well as on the 11th and 12th thoracicvertebrae.
This muscle is also oblique, it is directed upward and laterally. The muscle is involved in the act of inhalation-exhalation, as it lowers the ribs of the chest in its lower half.
Operation
Both of the described muscles are classified as major respiratory muscles, as their contractions enable inhalation.
In order for the serratus posterior superior muscle of the back to function correctly, blood flow to it is carried out by an artery located between the ribs. Another source of essential nutrients is the deep cervical artery. The intercostal nerves provide innervation to the organ.
Why a muscle hurts
The serratus posterior superior muscle is usually disturbed by osteochondrosis, which affects the intervertebral discs in the upper chest. The first symptom of the disease is a dull severe pain in the depths, near the shoulder blade.
To diagnose the problem, palpation is performed by slight displacement of the scapula, followed by placement of the hand in the armpit on the opposite side of the body. In this case, the patient's torso should be slightly tilted forward, allowing the arms to hang freely.
Myofascial syndrome
MFPS is diagnosed by dull, constant, severe pain, which is local and segmental. In this case, the so-called trigger points are observed, where the pain is concentrated. On palpation along the muscle, nodules can be detected. Neoplasms are located strictly along the muscle fibers and grow by 2-5 mm in diameter.
Palpationaccompanied by severe local, referred pain. Each trigger point has its own pain zone and paresthesia. Upon contact with the site, a “jump syndrome” occurs, when the patient reflexively seeks to move away from the source of sensations. This sign is referred to as typical manifestations of MFPS.
Besides active trigger points, there are latent ones. The first are characterized by spontaneous sharp sensations that accompany muscle loading, palpation. The second spontaneity of the pain syndrome is not typical.
If the described points are present in a latent form, the serratus posterior superior muscle weakens, the functions of the organ are inhibited, and fatigue increases. If there are 2-3 points in the organ, between which there is a nerve or a bundle of such, there is a high probability of developing neurovascular compression.
MFBS is formed by stretching the muscle, sudden movements. The probability of MFBS is high if the patient spent a long time in an uncomfortable antiphysiological position, was exposed to an abnormally low or high temperature. The syndrome is observed with different lengths of the legs, anomalies in the development of the pelvic ring, foot. In some cases, the reasons will be:
- mental disorders;
- metabolic disorders;
- malnutrition.
Trigger points are activated when:
- pneumonia;
- emphysema;
- asthma.
The pain associated with MFBS is reflected in the lower ribs, in the sternum from below. The syndrome can be provoked by work that forces a person to spend a long time standing with his hands up.
Workouts
The serratus posterior superior muscle is pumped up during complex training of the back muscles. The most useful exercise is called the "pullover". In addition to him, they practice:
- deadlift;
- tilt pull;
- pull horizontally;
- shrugs (using dumbbells, barbells);
- barbell weighted inclines;
- T-bar pull.
Recommended:
- Exercise regularly with a frequency of 2-3 times a week. The first results will be visible in just 3 weeks.
- Warm up before class. With painful sensations, it is necessary to reduce the load or even completely stop the practice until the body recovers. Remember: excess weight displaces the vertebrae, provokes hernia and injuries.
- Carefully control breathing.
- Follow the technique of each exercise while keeping your back straight.
- Increase the load gradually.
- Eat right.
- Control sleep and wake patterns.
Don't try to do all the exercises in one workout. Alternate them according to a pre-compiled program so that the load on different days is on different areas of the back. An integrated approach will help you become stronger, train your muscles, and achieve a beautiful figure. Don't try to focus solely on the serratus posterior superior muscle, engage your entire back in your program.
