Trapezius Pain Relief

What is the Trapezius Muscle?

The trapezius muscle is one of the main muscles that make up the shoulders and back. It is made up of two muscles: the left and right trapezius. Together, both of these muscles cover a large section of the upper back and the back of the neck. The trapezius muscles are responsible for extending and rotating the head while also controlling the movements and stabilization of the shoulder blade.

Trapezius Anatomy

The trapezius muscle takes up a large portion of the upper back and plays a significant role in the functionality and structure of the shoulders and back. The muscle is made up of two symmetrical parts: the left trapezius and the right trapezius. These two muscles get their name from their shape. As they rise up to cover the upper back and taper off at the back of the neck, they form a trapezoid shape.

The trapezius muscles have versatile functionality. Their primary responsibility is moving the head and neck in various ways, including tilting the head, turning it side to side, and bending the neck from side to side. They have a secondary role to play in the stabilization of shoulder mechanics. Pain between the shoulder blades or shoulder tightness can often be the result of trapezius issues.

Trapezius Pain Symptoms

The large size of the trapezius muscle means it can cause pain in a lot of different ways and across a variety of body parts. By learning to recognize them, you can get early treatment and avoid further complications. Some of the symptoms you may experience from problems in the trapezius pain include:

• Stiff Neck: The stiffness may be associated with pain or difficulty turning the head.
• General Neck Pain: The pain may range from a dull ache to sharp pains.
• Pain Between the Shoulder Blades: This can be a persistent ache or a sharp pain.
• Shoulder Tightness or Pain: Trapezius pain often radiates to the shoulder.
• Radiating Pain: In some cases, the pain extends further into the arms or up toward the head.
• Headaches: These will be tension headaches originating from the neck or back of the head.
• Muscle Spasms: Sudden involuntary contractions of the muscle fibers that may be painful.
• Sensitivity to Pressure: Affected areas of the muscle may become sensitive to the touch.
• Postural Changes: Adapting to pain may result in a forward head or rounded shoulders.
• Fatigue and Weakness: Prolonged pain can cause fatigue or weakness in the upper body.

Trapezius Pain Causes

A number of factors can contribute to trapezius pain. Some of these are everyday bad habits that catch up to you, and others are more acute injuries. Some of the most common causes of pain in the trapezius are listed below:

• Sleeping Position: An awkward sleeping position or unsupportive bedding can strain the trapezius and other muscles in the area.
• Poor Posture: Sitting or standing with poor posture for long periods of time can cause trapezius pain, especially when coupled with a sedentary lifestyle.
• Prolonged Immobility: Remaining in one position for too long, such as sitting at a desk without breaks, can cause stiffness and pain in the trapezius.
• Overuse of Repetitive Strain: Conversely, activities or occupations that involve repetitive shoulder and arm movements can also cause pain.
• Stress and Tension: Tension in the trapezius can be caused by stress, resulting in tightness and discomfort in the back or shoulders.
• Muscle Strain or Injury: The trapezius can be strained or torn by sudden movements, heavy lifting, or accidents.

How We Can Help

Our FIX24 System places a strong emphasis on spinal health and biomechanics. By addressing spinal misalignments in the neck and upper back, nerve function in the trapezius can be improved, and tension can be relieved. Our approach of using non-twisting spinal manipulation reduces the chances of additional muscle strain. By enhancing joint biomechanics and overall spinal alignment, our system can also help to improve posture issues that may be leading to trapezius pain.

Contact Fix24 for Help with your Trapezius Pain

If you’re experiencing pain in the trapezius, we may be able to help. Our FIX24 system has helped many people with spinal problems and musculoskeletal issues. To learn more about what we can do for Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ Residents contact us today.