The Secret Life Of Hidden Muscles

Often Neglected, the deep muscles around your spine may need some TLC.

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"There’s a direct correlation between lack of exercise and back pain,” says Professor Ingo Froböse, director of the Centre for Health through Sport & Exercise at the German Sport University in Cologne. “If we don’t move our body enough, our deep muscles atrophy almost twice as quickly as the other muscle groups. The deepest layer of tiny, delicate back muscles are located around the spine, and ensure the vertebrae interlock like well-functioning cogs in the wheel. They provide the necessary stability, and also keep the spinal discs in place – as long as they’re exercised. If not, the spine becomes unstable during any rotating movements, and even bending results in back problems" The deep muscular system in the back consists of several tiny muscles. We can’t consciously stretch them – they’re activated through refl exes, which is why they’re often left unused. When this happens, the body breaks down the muscle protein, emptying the muscles’ energy stores – a dangerous deg