Which muscles are most likely to be affected by cervical spondylosis

Muscles are the driving force of cervical spine movement, and cervical spine diseases will in turn affect the movement of neck muscles. The muscles most likely to be affected by cervical spondylosis are, from shallow to deep, the trapezius, rhomboids, levator scapulae, and scalene muscles.

(1) Trapezius: It originates from the external occipital protuberance, nuchal ligament, and the spinous processes and supraspinous ligaments of all thoracic vertebrae, and ends at the acromion end of the clavicle and above the scapula. It has the function of moving and fixing the scapula, which can move the scapula closer to the spine, lift it up, and pull it down. Contraction of one side can flex the head to the same side, and contraction of both sides at the same time can tilt the head back.

(2) Rhomboid muscle: Located deep in the trapezius muscle, its contraction can move the shoulder blade closer to the spine and move it slightly upward.

(3) Levator scapulae: Located on both sides of the neck, it originates from the transverse processes of the upper four cervical vertebrae and ends at the medial edge of the scapula and the upper part of the spine. It has the function of lifting the scapula, hence the name.