The levator scapulae muscles could be overstretched for individuals experiencing upper back, shoulder, and neck pain. Can physical therapies help relieve pain and retrain the muscles to function properly?
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Levator Scapulae Muscles
The levator scapulae muscles stretch along the spine across the upper back and neck. They originate from the cervical vertebrae C1 to C4 and attach to the inside top edge of the scapula. (Chotai P. N. et al., 2015) They elevate the shoulder blades, tilt the head, and work with other muscles to stabilize the spine and influence neck motion and upper back posture. The shoulder blade/scapula is the flat, triangular-shaped bone that sits on top of the upper part of the rib cage. Where the levator scapulae attaches, the muscles raise the shoulder blade, a movement called elevation, and indirectly rotates the scapula’s bottom tip downward towards the spine. These shoulder blade movements are part of the shoulder joint’s larger flexion and abduction movements.
- Flexion occurs when moving the arm forward and up, and abduction occurs when moving the arm out to the side.
- The levator scapulae muscles contract during flexion and/or abduction,
- The muscles also contract when moving the neck in side bending, lateral flexion, rotation, or twisting.
Symptoms
Neck and shoulder pain are common problems for office workers, truck drivers, and others who sit most of the day for their jobs. It can worsen when there is no spinal support for maintaining correct alignment. Poorly designed work chairs may contribute to chronic muscle tension and spasms, plus they may contribute to muscle weakness. One of the primary functions of the levator scapulae muscles is to keep the shoulder blade in a position that supports a vertical alignment of the head and to prevent forward head posture. (Yoo W. G. 2018)
However, the shoulder blade is an extremely movable bone. Maintaining stability and correct neck posture is not easy. The levator scapulae muscles may not be strong enough to keep the shoulder blade where it’s supposed to be for healthy posture, and instead, they become overstretched. When muscles are overstretched, they often become taut to try to maintain some form of stability. It can feel like muscle tension because the muscles shorten, but there is a difference. The situation can worsen if one slouches, has no lumbar support, and/or the desk or steering wheel is too high or too low, which may force the shoulder blade upward or downward.
Pain Relief
The levator scapulae muscles are two of several shoulder muscles that may contribute when neck pain presents. This is why a qualified, licensed health professional should diagnose any pain or dysfunction in the area. Physical therapy can help get the body back on track. (Yoo W. G. 2018) Treatment may consist of restoring muscle strength and flexibility in the shoulder, neck, and upper back muscles and developing better posture habits. Physical therapy exercises, particularly those that address upper back posture, can help reduce the stress placed on the levator scapulae muscles and can help decrease kyphosis, often a precursor to forward head posture. Stretching, strengthening, and posture lessons will help relieve pain and increase the physical functioning of the upper body. Other tips for avoiding and relieving muscle pain include:
- Stretching regularly by gently rotating the neck and shoulders.
- Applying heat to promote relaxation.
- Regular massage therapy.
- Adjusting chairs and/or monitor height to align with a straight line of sight.
- Not carrying heavy bags, especially on one shoulder.
- Avoiding side sleeping without proper head support.
Injury Medical Chiropractic Clinic
Visiting a chiropractic and physical therapy team can help treat injuries and chronic pain syndromes, relieve pain, resolve musculoskeletal issues, and prevent future symptoms. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop a personalized care program for each patient through an integrated approach to help return to normal and optimal function. If other treatments are needed, Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and rehabilitation providers to provide the most effective treatments.
The Natural Way to Heal: Non-Surgical Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief
References
Chotai, P. N., Loukas, M., & Tubbs, R. S. (2015). Unusual origin of the levator scapulae muscle from mastoid process. Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA, 37(10), 1277–1281. doi.org/10.1007/s00276-015-1508-6
Yoo W. G. (2018). Effects of thoracic posture correction exercises on scapular position. Journal of physical therapy science, 30(3), 411–412. doi.org/10.1589/jpts.30.411
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