What does the levator scapulae attach to?

Category: medical health bone and joint conditions
4.3/5 (50 Views . 24 Votes)
Levator scapulae is a posterior Axio-appenducular muscle that connects the upper limb to the vertebral column and lies in the posterior triangle of the neck. The superior aspect of the levator scapulae is covered by sternocleidomastoid, and its inferior part by trapezius.



Thereof, where does the levator scapulae attach?

The levator scapulae originates from the posterior tubercle of the transverse process of cervical vertebrae one to four. The muscle is inserted into medial border of the scapula extending from superior angle to junction of spine and medial border of scapula.

Also, how do you treat a tight levator scapulae? Sit up straight with both hands at the sides. Raise the right arm forwards and reach over the back with the hand grasping the right shoulder blade and applying downward pressure. (This step rotates the shoulder blade downward, which helps lengthen the levator scapulae muscle even more before it is stretched.

In this way, what causes pain in the levator scapulae?

Sitting for a long stretch of time with poor posture puts a lot of stress and pressure on the various muscles in the neck and back, including the levator scapulae muscle. Over time, this constant stress and pressure can irritate the levator scapulae, inflaming it and causing it to become sore.

Does levator scapulae radiate pain to neck?

The muscle extends from the upper medial border of the scapula to the transverse processes of the first four cervical vertebrae. Levator scapulae pain is at the angle of the neck and may radiate down the medial border of the scapula or out to the posterior aspect of the shoulder joint.

38 Related Question Answers Found

Is the levator scapulae superficial or deep?

All these muscles are therefore associated with movements of the upper limb. The muscles in this group are the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae and the rhomboids. The trapezius and the latissimus dorsi lie the most superficially, with the trapezius covering the rhomboids and levator scapulae.

How do you stretch the levator scapulae?

Place your left hand behind your head and gently pull it at an angle toward your knee. Stretch the muscle in this manner for 5 to 10 seconds. Stop the movement when you feel a slight sting in the right side of your neck. Next, relax the muscle for 5 to 10 seconds.

What artery supplies the levator scapulae?

The levator scapulae is supplied by the dorsal scapular nerve (C4-C5), a branch of the brachial plexus.

What muscles attach to the scapula?

The scapula provides attachment sites for many muscles including the pectoralis minor, coracobrachialis, serratus anterior, triceps brachii, biceps brachii, and the subscapularis. The scapula has two main surfaces: the costal (front facing) surface and the dorsal (rear facing) surface.

What are the actions of levator scapulae?


The levator scapulae functions to elevate the scapula and tilt the glenoid cavity inferiorly by rotating the scapula downward. If the scapula is fixed, a contraction of the levator scapulae leads to the lateral flexion of the cervical vertebral column to the side and stabilizes the vertebral column during rotation.

What muscles do scapular depression?

The elevation is accomplished by the trapezius, levator scapulae, and rhomboid muscles. Depression is accomplished through the force of gravity and the actions of the latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior, pectoralis major and minor, and the trapezius muscles.

Where do lats attach?

As the muscle fibers of the lats extend from the origin to the insertion point (the insertion for the lats is located on the inner aspect of your upper arm bone, just below the shoulder joint) they taper into a point.

How do you relieve scapular pain?

Relieving the Pain Under Your Shoulder Blade
  1. Rest your upper back from activity. If your pain worsens when you do certain movements or physical activities, such as household chores or exercise, rest for a day or two.
  2. Apply ice and/or heat.
  3. Take over-the-counter (OTC) medication.
  4. Massage it out.
  5. Visit a health care provider.

What are the symptoms of levator ani syndrome?

The symptoms of levator ani syndrome include pain high in the rectum that may be:
  • irregular and spontaneous.
  • less than 20 minutes in duration.
  • specific or general.
  • a dull ache.
  • a sense of pressure in the rectum.
  • felt when sitting.
  • relieved when standing or lying down.
  • unrelated to bowel movements.

What exercises work the levator scapulae?


Strengthening exercises for the levator scapula involve particular joint movements that activate the muscle. The three movements most often utilized are scapula elevation, cervical spine extension and lateral flexion of the cervical spine.

How is levator syndrome treated?

Your doctor may talk to you about any of these treatments for levator ani syndrome: physical therapy, including massage, heat, and biofeedback, with a therapist trained in pelvic floor dysfunction. prescription muscle relaxants or pain medication, such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica)

Can neck problems cause scapular pain?

All patients with C5 or C8 radiculopathy had both superficial and deep pain, whereas almost all patients with C6 or C7 radiculopathy had deep pain only. No patient had superficial pain only. CONCLUSION: Cervical radiculopathy can cause scapular pain.

Why do I keep pulling muscles in my neck and shoulder blade?

Posture and sleeping position
Holding your neck in an awkward position for a prolonged time can lead to strains in the muscles and tendons of your neck and shoulders. Some of the postures and activities that commonly contribute to neck and shoulder pain are: sleeping on too high a pillow or a stack of pillows.

What is the pain in my left shoulder blade?

The most common cause of shoulder blade pain is a muscle strain. 2? Short-term overuse of your arms and upper torso may be experienced in your scapula. Other muscular conditions which may cause shoulder blade pain include rotator cuff tears and a condition known as snapping scapula syndrome.

What is the muscle that connects your shoulder to your neck?


The trapezius (traps), levator scapulae, scalene and the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles form the muscular structure of the neck and shoulders. These upper back, shoulder and neck muscles travel in all directions which allows for greater range of motion and movement in the neck and shoulders.

How should I sleep with scapular pain?

Best Sleep Solutions for Shoulder Pain
  1. Avoid sleeping on your front. It may be tempting to sleep on your front thinking that you are keeping pressure off your sore shoulders.
  2. Try sleeping on the side that is opposite of the bad shoulder.
  3. Use good support for your head.
  4. Use a body pillow.
  5. Don't be afraid of trying different sleep tips and positions.

Should shoulders be on pillow when sleeping?

If you are a back sleeper, you should push your pillow down next to your shoulders but not lay your shoulders on the pillow. Your head should be level when it's on the pillow. Your ears should be in a parallel? line with your shoulders. The pillow should not be so thick that your chin is tucked into your chest.