Human beings have developed very strong back muscles to keep them walking upright, to move the spinal column and to join the limbs. They "tie" the spinal column symmetrically and keep it upright. The muscles are designed overall to provide relief for the movement elements of the spinal column. If the back muscles are strong, this reduces the load on the intervertebral disks, joints and ligaments.

The back muscles join various vertebrae together and are attached to the vertebral processes and vertebrae themselves. They extend from the neck to the pelvis (pelvis) and are grouped together in two large bundles of muscles on either side of the spinal column. They consist of seven muscles involved in turning movements and bending the body backwards and forwards. This group is collectively called the extensors of the back (musculus erector spinae).

The muscles above them almost completely cover them with the muscles of the pectoral girdle. These consist of the trapezium muscle (musculus trapezius), the large and small rhomboid muscle (musculus rhomboideus major et minor). They also include the levator scapulae muscle (musculus levator scapulae) and the muscles connecting to the upper extremities.