Function of levator scapulae

When moving things, you will use the muscles on both sides of your arms, and this part of the muscle is called the levator scapulae, which is very helpful for daily movements. This part of the muscle is easily strained, so you must pay attention to maintenance during normal exercise. If the function of the levator scapulae is reduced, it will be very inconvenient for your life and work. You can massage the levator scapulae muscle frequently to prevent excessive accumulation of lactic acid and cause burden. Here I will introduce to you the function of the levator scapulae muscle.

The levator scapulae are located on both sides of the neck. The upper part of the muscle is located deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and the lower part is located deep to the trapezius muscle. They are a pair of long strap-like muscles that originate from the transverse processes of the upper four cervical vertebrae. The muscle fibers run obliquely posteriorly, inferiorly and slightly outward, and end at the superior angle of the scapula and the upper part of the spinal margin of the scapula. It has the function of lifting the scapula and rotating it downward. It is a muscle that carries a heavy load on the cervical spine. The levator scapulae should not be strengthened. Excessive tension in this muscle will reduce flexibility and cause the shoulder girdle to be lifted (i.e. shrugging). Long-term shrugging posture will cause neck discomfort and poor blood supply to the head.

Main symptoms

The upper part of the neck feels sore, swollen, tired, and has a feeling of heaviness and pressure. Discomfort in the suprascapular area, often aggravated by fatigue or exposure to cold, discomfort in the neck, and a feeling of local stiffness when the neck is stretched to the side.

Physical signs of lesions: A tight, cord-like muscle knot can be felt on the upper side of the neck, starting from the posterior and inferior part of the mastoid process and extending along the outer edge of the transverse process of the cervical vertebra. At the upper inner corner of the scapula, you can feel a rough muscle node that is extremely sensitive and causes severe pain when pressed. The lateral bundle of the lower neck muscle may reveal a cord-like knot upon closer inspection.

Treatment

The treatment adopts comprehensive tendon regulation method, manipulation and acupuncture, all of which focus on the starting and ending points of the tendon, that is, the treatment method of "left and right ends of the tendons" as the key point. The acupuncture is used to consolidate the focus and generally acupuncture is used. The amount of treatment depends on the condition and the patient's acceptance. Usually, one needle is applied to each of the three, on the left and right ends of the tendons and the middle of the muscle. For the simple localized type, use the combined force of the fingers of the "bow hand" and place the fingertip function of the thumb on the cord-like muscle knot formed at the starting point of the levator scapulae muscle on the outside of the neck, at a vertical angle, and apply the pressing and pulling techniques to treat; the patient often feels very comfortable, and then moves the treatment area to the lower outside of the neck, and uses the kneading technique on the outside of the neck muscle group. First, explore the knot-like structure in the muscle group, then slowly pinch the stiff muscle belly from the inside to the outside, and finally place the tip of the thumb on the inner side of the upper inner angle of the scapula, and use the plucking and cutting methods to treat the fascia attached to the insertion point of the levator scapulae. This point is very sensitive, so lighter techniques should be used to avoid serious sequelae. For patients with other cervical muscle strains, appropriate concurrent treatment should be given. Auxiliary therapies such as muscle relaxants, cupping, and hot ironing with Chinese herbal decoctions are beneficial to promoting the recovery of strained muscles and tendons and should be used in combination.