Drawing and aching pain in the neck and back, burning, feeling of stiffness and constant desire to relax and straighten the shoulders - almost every adult is familiar with these unpleasant sensations. It hurts the trapezius muscle, which occupies the upper back and back of the neck.
Trapezius anatomy
A trapezoidal muscle in the human body has a large number of functions, which is why it is very vulnerable and is prone to inflammatory processes that cause pain.
Trapezoid structure:
- Top part. Muscle fibers are attached to the back of the neck, cervical vertebrae and the back of the clavicle.
- Medium. Attaches to the processes of 1-4 thoracic vertebrae and scapula.
- Lower. It is located at the level of 5-12 of the thoracic vertebra, and is attached to the processes of which, as well as to the scapula.
The muscle under consideration has the shape of a triangle, the base of which is located along the spine, and the apex is near the acromion (end) of the scapular bone. In the human body there are two of them, so a situation is possible when the trapezius muscle hurts on the right, left or on both sides. Joining together, these muscles resemble a trapezoid in shape, which is why they got their name.
Functions of the trapezius muscle array
The main function of the trapezoid is the movement, maintenance and stabilization of the spine and shoulder blades.
Thanks to this muscle mass, a person can perform the following actions:
- raise your hands;
- tilt and turn your head;
- shrug;
- reduce and raise the shoulder blades;
- raise and lower the clavicle.
In the event of inflammation, sprain or other problems, the muscle cannot fully perform the assigned function. This condition requires immediate treatment.
Causes of pain in the area of the trapezoid
The human body is very sensitive to the effects of various negative factors and responds to them with pain and discomfort.
Why the trapezius muscle of the back hurts:
- Muscle sprain. It can occur in the absence of a warm-up before playing sports, due to weight lifting (both in everyday life and during strength training), after a sharp turn of the head.
- Trauma, bruise. Characteristic for athletes, often occurs after the formation of a hematoma.
- Diseases, degenerative conditions of the musculoskeletal system. These include migelosis, tendonitis.
- Regular muscle damage. Not only gusty movements can harm muscle tissue. Regular repetition of the same movements (constantly performed dance moves, gymnastic exercises, and even wearing a heavy backpack) can provoke pain in the area of the trapezoid.
- Constant pressure. Even in the absence of visible loads, muscles can suffer from the same position in which a person is (working at a computer, driving a car).
- Concomitant diseases of the skeleton (kyphosis, scoliosis, other disorders of posture).
- Chronic hypothermia. Frequent exposure to low temperatures can lead to severe spasms of the trapezius muscle, as well as to the inflammatory process - myositis.
- Stress state. Experiences, anxiety and depression can cause trapezium tension, which will result in pain.
In the presence of even one of the negative factors listed above, it is necessary to carefully listen to the signals of the body so as not to “miss” the disease.
Signs and symptoms of pathology
To understand the trapezius muscle of the neck or back, it is important to know the signs of this condition.
Symptoms of trapezium myalgia:
- aching pain in the neck, shoulders, between the shoulder blades;
- pain is permanent, only treatment brings relief;
- muscle tension of the upper back, neck;
- headache in the neck;
- limited movement of the arms, head, neck;
- increased pain with pressure;
- difficulty concentrating, worsening sleep quality.
If such symptoms occur, you should not panic - competent timely treatment guarantees a return to a full life and getting rid of unpleasant symptoms.
Diagnosis of myalgia of the trapezius muscle mass
After seeking qualified help, the doctor must first make sure that there are no serious pathological conditions (aneurysm, various forms of neuralgia, migraine). After conducting the necessary studies to exclude such diagnoses, the doctor proceeds to find out why the trapezius muscle hurts.
Diagnostic methods used:
- Interrogation of the patient. The doctor will ask questions about the location, strength, duration and nature of the pain.
- History taking. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must know about all concomitant diseases and injuries received.
- Palpation. By probing the place of occurrence of pain, it is possible to determine the presence of muscle cramps, atony and muscle atrophy.
- Blood analysis. It will help confirm or deny the presence of an inflammatory process.
- Muscle tests. With their help, you can identify strength and tone in various parts of the muscle, check for reflexes.
Trapezium pain treatment
What to do if the trapezius muscle hurts? What to do to get rid of acute symptoms? These are standard questions for people with muscle pain. The essence of the treatment of any myalgia is to alleviate its symptoms, namely, to eliminate the sensation of pain, tension, burning.
Methods of treating pathology:
- Motor passivity - to relieve muscle tension, it is necessary to ensure maximum peace.
- Cold compresses - ice or any chilled item will help reduce pain intensity and reduce swelling.
- Heat treatment - a hot shower, warm clothes, a warming compress; all these devices will stop the inflammatory process, relieve stress.
- Massage - By massaging your back and shoulder girdle, you can relieve muscle tension and inflammation.
- Gymnastics - there are special exercises to eliminate pain in the trapezius muscle, yoga classes are also recommended; but before choosing a complex, you should definitely consult a doctor.
- Drug treatment - pain relievers are prescribed to relieve acute pain (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Fastum Gel).
As with any disease, do not lose sight of the situation when the trapezius muscle hurts. With timely contact with a doctor, treatment will be prescribed, and unpleasant symptoms will quickly disappear.