Why does my levator scapulae muscle hurt?

Causes of Levator Scapulae Pain Sitting for prolonged periods, especially with bad posture, is the most common cause of levator scapulae syndrome. The different muscles in the neck and back, particularly the levator scapulae muscle, are stressed and irritated by sitting for long periods with bad posture.

What are the levator scapulae muscles?

Levator scapulae is a long and slender muscle that anatomically belongs to the superficial layer of extrinsic muscles of the back. The levator scapulae muscle extends from the transverse processes of vertebrae C1-C4 to the medial border of scapula.

What is the function of the levator scapulae muscle?

The levator scapulae muscles are superficial extrinsic muscles of the back that primarily function to elevate the scapulae.

What happens when levator scapulae is tight?

Commonly the definitive clinical feature associated with Lev Scap tightness is an inability or unwillingness to move the head/neck into rotation. Usually flexion and extension are pain-free. Only in chronic cases of Lev Scap tightness will full shoulder abduction be limited.

Is levator scapulae and trapezius?

Levator scapulae is a posterior Axio-appenducular muscle that connects the upper limb to the vertebral column and lies in the posterior triangle of the neck. The superior aspect of the levator scapulae is covered by sternocleidomastoid, and its inferior part by trapezius.

What Innervates the levator scapulae muscle?

The levator scapulae muscle is innervated by contributions from C3 and C4 rami. The nerves emerge from beneath the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid to travel caudally into the posterior cervical triangle.

Can you tear your levator scapulae?

The strained muscle’s strength while the injury is healing largely depends on how many muscle fibers were torn. Two long neck muscles that are at an increased risk for strain are: Levator scapulae. This muscle travels down the side of the neck, from top of the cervical spine to the scapula (shoulder blade).

What is the antagonist of the levator scapulae?

Levator Scapulae Antagonist For the Levator Scapulae, the antagonist’s muscles are, Latissimus Dorsi. Pectoralis Major.

Can you pull your levator scapulae?

Strain in the levator scapula muscle can be caused by various reasons but the most common amongst them is bad posture. Sitting with a hunch for long hours at work causes tightness and tension in the muscles leading to discomfort and pain.