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The trapezius, or traps muscle, is a large muscle in the upper back that helps the neck, shoulders, and arms move. It is less common to injure the traps than other muscles, but it is possible. Certain stretches can help ease pain and keep movement flexible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Trapezius, Trapezoid, Traps |
| Location | Upper back |
| Shape | Large and triangular |
| Function | Stabilises the shoulders and enables the neck to move |
| Sections | Superior, middle, and inferior |
| Movements | Specific movements of the neck and shoulders |
| Injuries | Less common than in other muscles, but possible |
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What You'll Learn
Trapezius muscles are skeletal muscles
The trapezius, trapezoid, or traps muscle is a skeletal muscle in the upper back. It is large and triangular, extending to the width of the shoulders and running from the skull to the thoracic spine. It has three sections: the superior, middle, and inferior segment, and each plays a role in specific movements of the neck and shoulders. The trapezius muscle stabilises the shoulders and enables the neck to move. It helps with many motions, including turning the head to either side, maintaining and adjusting posture, and twisting the torso.
Trapezius muscles are commonly referred to as traps or trap muscles. They are skeletal (superficial) muscles and are part of the musculoskeletal system. Traps are less commonly injured than other muscles, but it is possible to strain them. Strains are usually a sports injury or a repetitive strain injury. Being stressed can also cause trapezius pain, as stress can make you squeeze your muscles without knowing it.
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They are part of the musculoskeletal system
The trapezius, or traps muscle, is a muscle in the upper back. It is a skeletal muscle and is part of the musculoskeletal system. The traps muscle stabilises the shoulders and enables the neck to move. It is large and triangular, extending to the width of the shoulders and running from the skull to the thoracic spine. It has three sections: superior, middle, and inferior, and each plays a role in specific movements of the neck and shoulders. For example, turning the head to either side, maintaining and adjusting posture, and twisting the torso.
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Trapezius muscles are large and triangular
The trapezius, or traps, muscle is a large and triangular muscle in the upper back. It stabilises the shoulders and enables the neck to move. It extends to the width of the shoulders and runs from the skull to the thoracic spine, in the middle of the back. It has three sections: the superior, middle and inferior segment, and each plays a role in specific movements of the neck and shoulders.
The trapezius muscle is a skeletal (superficial) muscle and is part of the musculoskeletal system. It is less common to injure the trapezius than other muscles, but it is possible. Certain stretches can help ease pain and keep movement flexible. Being stressed can make you squeeze your trapezius muscles without knowing it, and your shoulders, upper back and neck are especially susceptible to this kind of tension. Strains are also a common cause of trapezius pain, usually as a sports injury or repetitive strain injury.
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They have three sections: superior, middle and inferior
The trapezius, trapezoid, or traps muscle is a muscle in the upper back. It stabilises the shoulders and enables the neck to move. The trapezius is large and triangular, extending to the width of the shoulders and running from the skull to the thoracic spine, in the middle of the back. It has three sections: superior, middle and inferior. Each section plays a role in specific movements of the neck and shoulders. For example, turning your head to either side, maintaining and adjusting your posture (including standing up straight or bending your upper back forward) and twisting your torso.
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They are susceptible to stress-related tension
The trapezius, trapezoid, or traps muscle is a muscle in the upper back. It stabilises the shoulders and enables the neck to move. It is a large, triangular muscle that extends to the width of the shoulders and runs from the skull to the thoracic spine. It has three sections: the superior, middle, and inferior segment, and each plays a role in specific movements of the neck and shoulders.
Trapezius muscles are susceptible to stress-related tension. Being stressed can make you squeeze your muscles without knowing it, and your shoulders, upper back, and neck are especially susceptible to this kind of scrunching and tension. These are places where people tend to "carry" stress, meaning you are more likely to feel the effects of stress in these areas.
Stress-related tension in the trapezius muscle can lead to pain and soreness. Certain stretches can help ease this pain and keep movement flexible. For example, you can try stretching the trapezius by bringing your ear to your shoulder and using your opposite hand to gently pull your head down.
In addition to stress, other factors can contribute to trapezius muscle tension and pain. These include muscle strains, which are less common in trap muscles but can still occur, often as a result of sports or repetitive strain injuries. Maintaining good posture and being aware of your body positioning can help prevent trapezius muscle tension and pain.
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Frequently asked questions
Traps muscles, or trapezius muscles, are muscles in the upper back.
Traps muscles stabilise the shoulders and enable the neck to move. They also help with turning your head, maintaining and adjusting your posture, and twisting your torso.
Stress and muscle strains are common issues that can cause trap muscle pain. Being stressed can cause you to squeeze your muscles without knowing it, and your shoulders, upper back and neck are especially susceptible to this. Strains are usually sports injuries or repetitive strain injuries.
The traps muscle has three sections: the superior, middle, and inferior segment. Each plays a role in specific movements of the neck and shoulders.
Certain stretches can help ease pain and keep movement flexible.
