Levator scapulae stretch how to#

Trigger Point Release: Another method to relieve neck pain is trigger point release. Adding tension to the stretch with a band or using your own body’s tension can increase the intensity, leading to a deep stretch. Holding the stretch for a longer period of time allows increased blood flow to the muscle along with lengthening the muscle to increase range of motion and reduce localized pain. Stretches: The most simple and accessible way to release neck pain is to stretch the levator scapulae muscle. HOW DO YOU RELIEVE LEVATOR SCAPULAE NECK PAIN? Carrying heavy items in a backpack or suitcase.Sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to the side.Sitting for prolonged periods of time in a sedentary posture.Repetitively rotating your neck throughout the day.

Here are some causes of a tight levator scapulae: This can lead to the body adapting to poor movement patterns and postures like a forward head lean, a rounded upper back and stiffness through the shoulders and back. Whether you have a sedentary or hyperactive lifestyle, the body will adapt accordingly.

Your body’s response to your lifestyle and changes in your environment can lead to carrying muscle tension through movement compensations. This painful area can be described as a throbbing, achy and knotty and is usually presented at the top of the shoulder blade and up alongside the back of the neck. The levator scapulae can become chronically tight, shortened and overactive, leading to compensated scapular and cervical spine movements. This muscle is frequently associated with causing pain in the neck.

In addition, this muscle works with the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, pectoralis major and pectoralis minor to stabilize the spine, rotate the glenoid cavity (shoulder joint) and laterally flex the neck. The levator scapulae’s primary function is to elevate the scapula (shoulder blades). The levator scapulae is a superficial muscle that is located in the upper back, attaching the medial border of the scapula to the cervical vertebrae, C1-C4.

Levator scapulae stretch how to#

Learn about additional factors that may be causing tension in your levator scapulae muscle and how to stretch and strengthen it to relieve discomfort. Whether these environments suit the body or not, achy or knotted muscles can help you recognize how to improve your lifestyle. With ever changing environments, the body naturally adapts. Have you experienced waking up with an achy neck and not being able to fully turn your head to look to the side? The culprit may be an aggravated levator scapulae muscle.