Spinor condensates trapped in optical lattices have become potential candidates for multi-bit quantum computation due to their long coherence and controllability. But first, we need to understand the generation and regulation of spin and magnetism in the system. This paper reviews the origin and manipulation of the magnetism of atomic spin chains in optical lattices. The theoretical study of the whole process is described in this paper, including laser cooling, the spinor Bose-Einstein condensate preparations, the optical lattice, and the atomic spin chain. Then, the generation and manipulation of magnetic excitations are discussed, including the preparation of magnetic solitons. Finally, we discuss how to apply atomic spin chains to quantum simulation. The theoretical study of magnetic excitations in optical lattices will play a guiding role when the optical lattice is used in cold atomic physics, condensed matter physics and quantum information.