Dominic Stone
The trapezius muscles are two large muscles in the upper back, which help to maintain posture and move the upper back, neck and head. These muscles can become strained or injured, leading to pain and limited mobility. While nerve damage or irritation is often a symptom of trapezius muscle issues, it is unclear whether the trapezius muscle itself can cause nerve compression. However, nerve conduction tests are sometimes used to assess the nerves supplying the trapezius muscle and identify any nerve compression or damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Trapezius Muscle Location | Two large muscles in the upper back, on either side of the neck and upper back |
| Function | Controls movement of the head, neck, and upper back; maintains posture |
| Trapezius Muscle Pain Causes | Overuse, injuries, nerve damage, emotional stress, muscle strain, poor posture, nerve compression |
| Treatment Options | Ice, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, pain relievers, kinesiology tape, massage, surgery |
| Prevention | Exercise, yoga, pilates, stretching, maintaining good posture |
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What You'll Learn
Trapezius muscle strain
The trapezius muscles are two large muscles in the upper back, which help maintain posture and move the upper back, neck and head. A trapezius strain is a common injury that can limit your range of motion and the strength in your arms. It occurs when the fibres are stretched beyond their typical limit.
A trapezius strain can happen in one of two ways: through an acute injury or by overuse. An acute injury happens suddenly due to trauma from a fall, collision or contact sports. Weightlifting can also cause acute injuries. You will feel pain and tenderness right away, and may also have a bruise.
Overuse injuries occur when repetitive, low-impact activities are performed over a long period of time. This can also happen through rigorous and repetitive activity, such as heavy weightlifting. When the trapezius is overworked and does not have time to repair itself, a strain or other injury is likely.
The symptoms of a trapezius strain vary depending on the cause and severity of the injury. You may feel "knots" in the muscles in your neck and upper back. The trapezius will feel sore, and the muscle may spasm or cramp. A serious strain may also lead to swelling and inflammation. Your neck and shoulders may feel tight and stiff, and you may have a limited range of motion. You may have trouble turning your head from side to side. A trapezius strain may also leave one or both arms tingling or weak.
If you suspect a trapezius strain, you should see a doctor. They will be able to tell if you have a pulled trapezius muscle based on your symptoms, medical history and a physical exam. For minor strains, the home treatment known as RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) is recommended.
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Trapezius nerve damage
The trapezius muscles are two large muscles in the upper back, which help maintain posture and move the upper back, neck, and head. These muscles are also involved in the movement of the shoulder girdle, which connects the arms to the rest of the body. The trapezius muscles are controlled by Cranial nerve XI (the spinal accessory nerve) and receive sensory information from the C3 and C4 cervical nerves in the neck.
To diagnose trapezius nerve damage, a comprehensive assessment is necessary. This includes obtaining a detailed medical history, conducting a thorough physical examination, and utilizing radiographic studies such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to identify any abnormalities. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction tests (NCT) are also useful in assessing nerve function and identifying nerve compression or damage.
Treating trapezius nerve damage typically involves addressing the underlying cause. Physiotherapy can be effective in reducing nerve-related conditions and restoring function. In some cases, surgery may be required if pain and loss of function persist after conservative treatments. Maintaining a healthy weight, warming up before exercise, and practicing good posture can also help prevent trapezius nerve damage.
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Trapezius myalgia
The trapezius muscles are two large muscles found on either side of the upper back, which help maintain posture and move the head, neck, and upper back. They get their name from their shape, as together they form a trapezoid or kite. The upper, middle, and lower sections of the trapezius muscles connect to the skull, spine, ribs, and shoulder blades. The upper section is connected to the skull and neck by the cranial nerve XI (the spinal accessory nerve), which allows the trapezius muscles to move.
TM is often caused by biomechanical and psychosocial factors, such as monotonous and repetitive work, forceful exertions, prolonged static loads, and constrained work postures. Emotional stress and tension can also cause the trapezius muscle to become tense and painful, with small trigger points developing in the muscle. Extensive screen time can also compromise spinal alignment and posture, leading to TM.
To treat TM, radiography, MRI, electromyography, nerve conduction studies, or blood tests can be done to rule out other conditions, although these are not standard procedures. Physiotherapy and exercise therapy are recommended, along with manual therapy techniques such as ischaemic compression and transverse friction massage, which can provide instant pain relief. Ice can also be effective in reducing inflammation and numbing the area.
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Trapezius palsy
The trapezius muscles are two large muscles found on either side of the upper back. They help with posture and facilitate the movement of the head, neck, and upper back.
Symptoms of trapezius palsy may include pain, loss of function, and trigger points in the muscle. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment option for trapezius palsy, helping patients regain function and manage pain. If physiotherapy is unsuccessful, surgery may be required, followed by post-surgical physiotherapy for rehabilitation.
To diagnose trapezius palsy, a detailed medical history is necessary, including the duration of symptoms, location, severity, quality of pain, aggravating factors, alleviating factors, onset, and previous treatments. A physical examination is then conducted to assess muscle tenderness, trigger points, muscle strength, range of motion, posture abnormalities, and neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling. Radiographic studies, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, can help identify any underlying issues, such as fractures, disc injuries, nerve irritation, or tendon and ligament injuries. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction tests (NCT) may also be used to assess nerve function and identify any nerve compression or damage.
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Thoracic outlet syndrome
There are three types of TOS: neurogenic, venous, and arterial. Neurogenic TOS is the most common type, accounting for about 95% of cases. It occurs when there is pressure on the brachial plexus, a network of nerves in the upper chest. This type of TOS is often caused by repetitive stress injuries, such as those sustained during sports, or sudden trauma to the neck, such as whiplash. Venous TOS, which accounts for 5% of cases, involves compression of the subclavian vein and is more common in males in their 20s or 30s. Arterial TOS is the rarest form, representing only 1% of cases, but it is the most common cause of acute blood clots in the arm among people under 40.
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing TOS. One such factor is the presence of a cervical rib, which is an extra rib extending from the neck. Abnormal muscle or first rib formation, such as an extra scalene muscle or an abnormal clavicle, can also contribute to TOS by compressing blood vessels or nerves. Additionally, activities that require repeated overhead motions, such as swimming, baseball, or painting, can increase the risk of developing TOS, especially in individuals with underlying bone or muscle abnormalities.
The symptoms of TOS may vary depending on the type and affected area. However, pain is a common symptom, particularly when lifting the arms. Other symptoms include swelling, skin colour changes, skin feeling cool to the touch, slow-healing sores on the fingers, and atrophy of the thumb pad or palm muscle. These symptoms may come and go but are typically exacerbated when the arms are held up for extended periods.
Diagnosing TOS involves a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, radiographic studies, and, in some cases, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction tests to assess nerve function and identify any compression or damage. Treatment options depend on the specific type of TOS and may include physical therapy, injections, or surgery to address the underlying cause and relieve symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
The trapezius muscles are two large muscles in your upper back that help with posture and movement of the upper back, neck, and head.
Trapezius muscle pain can be caused by muscle strain, overuse, or poor posture. Emotional stress, tension, and nerve damage can also cause trapezius muscle pain.
Symptoms of trapezius muscle pain include upper back pain, muscle spasms, stiffness, and tenderness in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Treatment options for trapezius muscle pain include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE method), massage, medication such as NSAIDs and muscle relaxants, and physical therapy or chiropractic care.
