Alec Titan
The human body has over 600 muscles, which are responsible for everything from pumping blood around the body to helping us lift heavy objects. Our muscles work with our bones to give our bodies power and strength. One example of this is the musculoskeletal system, which connects the base of our skull to our torso. Our neck muscles, for instance, support our head and help us perform a variety of movements, such as looking down. However, looking down at our phones, tablets, or computers for extended periods can cause neck pain and soreness, a condition known as tech neck.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscles that look down | Superior oblique |
| Back muscles | |
| Neck muscles | |
| Gluteus Maximus |
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What You'll Learn
Neck muscles help with chewing, swallowing, and breathing
The human body has more than 600 muscles, which help with everything from pumping blood throughout the body to helping us lift something heavy. Neck muscles, in particular, support the head and enable a wide range of movements. They also assist with chewing, swallowing, and breathing.
There are about 30 neck muscles, extending from the base of the skull and jaw down to the shoulder blades and collarbone. They support and stabilise the head, neck, and the upper part of the spine. Neck muscles are skeletal muscles, meaning they are attached to bones by tendons. They are voluntary muscles, so we can control how they move and work.
Neck muscles are divided into three main categories: anterior (front), lateral (side), and posterior (back). The anterior neck muscles are further divided into four regions: superficial, suprahyoid, infrahyoid, and scalene muscles. The suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are named based on their location relative to the hyoid bone, which sits below the mandible and in front of the oesophagus. The suprahyoid muscles raise the hyoid bone, the floor of the mouth, and the larynx during swallowing. The four infrahyoid muscles found below the hyoid bone act in concert to depress the hyoid bone during swallowing and speaking, compressing the oesophagus.
The scalene muscles move the first two ribs up and down so we can inhale air when we breathe. They also help move the head and stabilise the bones in the neck. The lateral neck muscles control head movements from the base of the skull, helping us twist and tilt our heads from side to side.
While neck muscles are important for chewing, swallowing, and breathing, they can get overly tired and sore from looking down at smartphones, computers, or tablets all day. This phenomenon is called "tech neck". When we look down at a 45-degree angle, our neck muscles are doing the work of lifting a 50-pound bag of potatoes, which puts a lot of strain on the neck joints, discs, and muscles.
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Tech neck is caused by looking down at devices, straining the neck
Tech neck is a modern ailment that is becoming increasingly common as people spend more time on their devices. It is caused by looking down at devices, straining the neck and causing chronic neck and shoulder pain, soreness, and stiffness.
The human head weighs around 10-12 pounds, but when the neck is bent forward at a 45-degree angle, the neck muscles have to work much harder, equivalent to lifting a 50-pound bag of potatoes. This puts a lot of strain on the neck joints, discs, and muscles, leading to musculoskeletal fatigue and pressure on the nerve supply in the neck and shoulders. As a result, people may experience headaches, neck spasms, and pain between the shoulder blades. Tech neck can also cause issues beyond the neck and shoulders, such as extra spinal pressure, which can lead to lower back pain, herniated discs, and even jaw pain.
To prevent tech neck, it is important to maintain good posture and take breaks from looking down at devices. This can be done by placing pillows on the lap to support the forearms, holding the phone at eye level, and using a laptop stand to raise the screen to eye height. Additionally, doing aerobic exercises like jogging, swimming, or brisk walking can help ease tension in the neck and back.
The effects of tech neck can be mitigated by being mindful of one's posture and taking proactive measures to reduce strain on the neck and shoulder muscles.
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Back muscles help with breathing and controlling posture
Back muscles play a crucial role in maintaining posture, facilitating movement, and supporting breathing. They originate from the neck, traverse the spine, and terminate just above the hips. This intricate network of muscles aids in stabilising the torso and enables various physical activities.
The back muscles can be categorised into three primary groups: flexors, extensors, and posterior neck muscles. The anterior flexor muscles, encompassing the abdominal muscles, facilitate bending forward and contribute to controlling the arch in the lower back. They are essential for lifting objects and maintaining a stable posture. Conversely, the posterior extensor muscles, situated at the back, enable upright posture and assist in lifting by stabilising the spine.
The neck muscles, which are part of the back muscle system, play a significant role in supporting the head, neck, and upper spine. They enable head movements in various directions and assist with essential functions like chewing, swallowing, and breathing. The scalene muscles, a type of neck muscle, are specifically responsible for moving the first two ribs during inhalation and exhalation. They also contribute to stabilising the cervical spine and moving the head.
Breathing techniques have been recognised as a valuable tool for managing back pain and improving spinal alignment. Diaphragmatic breathing, in particular, strengthens the diaphragm muscle, located at the base of the lungs, and enhances lung efficiency. This technique involves conscious deep breathing, maximising lung capacity and reducing breathing effort. Additionally, breathing exercises can alleviate tension in the back, further contributing to improved posture and reduced pain.
To summarise, back muscles are integral for maintaining posture, enabling movement, and supporting breathing. The intricate network of muscles, including flexors, extensors, and neck muscles, work together to stabilise the torso, facilitate movement, and assist in respiratory functions. By understanding the role of these muscles, individuals can adopt proper posture techniques and breathing exercises to promote overall well-being and alleviate back-related issues.
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Trapezius muscles start at the neck and extend down the back
The trapezius muscles are two large muscles found on either side of the upper back. They are also referred to as "traps" or "trap muscles". The trapezius muscles start at the base of the neck and extend across the shoulders and down to the middle of the back. They get their name from the trapezoid shape they form when viewed together.
The trapezius muscles play an important role in maintaining posture and moving the upper back, neck, and head. They are involved in various movements, such as turning the head to either side, tilting and rotating the neck, shrugging the shoulders, and lifting the arms out to the side. These muscles also help protect the neck and spine and provide stability to the spine and shoulder blades.
The trapezius muscles have three sections: upper, middle, and lower. The upper trapezius is responsible for elevating the shoulder girdle and helping extend, tilt, and rotate the neck. It also aids in lifting the arms by rotating the shoulder blade upward. The middle trapezius brings the shoulder blades back toward the spine and helps stabilize the shoulder during certain arm movements. The lower trapezius brings the shoulder girdle down and is involved in spine stabilization.
The trapezius muscles are considered skeletal or superficial muscles and are part of the musculoskeletal system. They are connected to the skull, spine, ribs, and bones in the shoulders. The upper trapezius connects to the skull and neck, while the middle and lower sections attach to the bones in the thoracic spine and the back of the shoulder blade and collarbone.
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Lateral neck muscles help twist and tilt the head
The neck is a complex structure of bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and other connective tissues. The cervical spine, or neck, is the most flexible part of the spine, allowing for large movements as we scan our surroundings.
There are about 30 neck muscles, which support and stabilise the head, neck, and upper spine. These muscles extend from the base of the skull and jaw down to the shoulder blades and collarbone. The neck muscles can be divided into three main categories: anterior (front), lateral (side), and posterior (back).
The lateral neck muscles control head movements from the base of the skull, allowing us to twist our heads from side to side and tilt and twist the cervical spine. The suboccipital muscles, for example, are found just below the occipital bone at the base of the skull and help extend the head in different directions.
The neck muscles work together with the bones to give the body power and strength. They contain fibres that contract, allowing us to perform a variety of movements. The muscles in the posterior neck, for instance, are responsible for the extension of the neck.
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Frequently asked questions
Symptoms of tech neck include headaches, stiff necks, neck spasms, and pain between the shoulder blades. In severe cases, you could experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms due to a pinched nerve in your neck.
Tech neck is caused by spending a lot of time looking down at smartphones, computers, or tablets. This puts a lot of strain on the neck muscles, joints, and discs.
To prevent tech neck, try to maintain a good posture when using digital devices. You can also try working while standing up or getting a reclining chair with good lumbar support.
The neck muscles support and stabilize your head, neck, and upper spine. They also help with chewing, swallowing, and breathing.
Neck muscles can be categorized into three groups: anterior (front), lateral (side), and posterior (back). The lateral neck muscles help with head movements, while the posterior neck muscles include superficial muscles that help extend and rotate the head.
