The trapezius muscle is responsible for movements and body posture alignment. Starting from the neck base and extending towards the shoulders and middle of the back, the trapezium is one of the large muscles of the human body. As well as supporting your head, neck, arms, shoulders, and torso, the trapezius muscle stabilizes your spine and maintains posture. Muscle strains can result in pain and decreased mobility in the traps. It is common for the trapezius muscle to suffer pressure when it is stretched too far.
If the injury is severe, the muscle can tear. To keep your traps strong and prevent damage, you should warm up before exercising and focus on staying healthy. Several simple exercises can be included in your daily routine to treat and prevent these frustrating conditions. On the other hand, in case of having any problem in this muscle you need to consult a doctor for better analysis and treatment.
What Is The Function Of The Trapezius Muscle?
Functions of the trapezius muscle most dominantly include body movements and maintenance of good body posture. These movements are connected to three main parts of the body, including the head, arms and shoulders.
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Parts of the Trapezius Muscle
There are three parts of the trapezius muscles as follows.
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Upper Trapezius
The upper trapezius is the smallest part of the trapezius muscle that starts from the neck base and extends towards the shoulders. It has the following functions
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- It helps in arm lifting
- Neck and head movements, including rotation, tilting, turning
- Shoulder Shrugging
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Middle Trapezius
The portion next to the upper trapezius is known as the middle trapezius. It is responsible for
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- Shoulder pulling backwards
- Arm extending backwards
- Shoulder stabilization while moving arms
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Lower Trapezius
The middle back area of the shoulder blades consists of a V-shaped lower trapezius portion. This area is responsible for
- Un-Shrugging shoulders
- Spine stabilization while turning and twisting.
Disorders Of The Trapezius Muscle
Trapezius muscle is a type of skeletal muscle with a shape similar to a kite. It attaches several body bones, including the spine, ribs, clavicle, and shoulder blades. However, the cranial nerve that originates from the brain controls the trapezius muscle. Any injury to the associated parts of the trapezius muscle or nerves leads to several disorders.
The most common disorders of trapezius muscles include the following.
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Nerve Damages
Some neck surgeries performed to remove any tumors may damage the nerves of the trapezius muscle. In rare cases, such injury may also paralyze the trapezius muscles.
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Muscle Strain
Sudden trauma, car accidents or stressful exercises may lead to excessive muscle stretching. As a result, muscle spasms and cramps may be experienced in the trapezius muscles.
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Muscle Tightness
Following bad body posture for a more extended period may increase muscle tightness. Most individuals who sit for more extended periods, such as working on a computer, may experience chronic pain and headaches due to muscle tightness. More notably, if the nerves controlling trapezius muscles are compressed, the condition becomes worse.
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Poor Posture
The trapezius muscles can tighten when hunched over your desk or computer keyboard. Symptoms of the trapezius are also commonly observed in people who work in confined spaces, such as the baggage compartments of commercial airplanes, such as coal miners and baggage.
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Mental Stress
The effects of psychological stress on the neck and shoulders may result in long-lasting muscle tension, causing symptoms such as trapezius pain. According to research, mental stressors can increase trapezius muscle activity. This increased muscle activity can increase the risk of trapezius muscle injury.
Symptoms Of Trapezius Muscle Ailment
The most common symptoms of trapezius muscle injury include
- Stiffness of neck and shoulders
- Bruising in the neck, shoulder, or back
- Discomfort between shoulder blades
- Limited body movements
Diagnostic Tests For Trapezius Muscles
Healthcare providers at pain management clinic ask patients to undergo a physical examination and imaging tests for proper evaluation. The imaging tests that allow an estimate of the damage to muscles include
- Magnetic resonance imaging test
- Electromyogram
Treatment Approaches
After assessing the severity and condition of the patient’s ailment, the healthcare practitioners at the pain clinic Fort Worth suggest some treatment options that suit custom patients.
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Rest
Specific minor injuries like stress and strain may get better with rest. However, certain stressful activities must be avoided during treatment procedures. Excess water intake is necessary to maintain the hydration of muscles.
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Acupuncture
Most general techniques used to treat muscle stress include acupuncture and dry needling.
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Massage Therapy
The physical therapists suggest specific massage therapies that help to enhance muscle flexibility and reduce tightness.
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Surgical Procedures
Tears in trapezius muscles require minor surgeries that include stitches.
Can I Avoid Trapezius Muscles Pain?
There Is always an option to avoid injuries rather than to get caught. Several smart choices in daily life routines may avoid trapezius muscle injuries. Exercise enhances body flexibility and improves range of motion. These exercises may include yoga or pilates.
However, maintaining a healthy weight and following warm-up techniques before exercises are also beneficial in avoiding trapezius muscles strains.
Summary
Trapezius muscles play a crucial role in your head, neck, arms, shoulders, and torso movements. Additionally, it stabilizes your spine so that you can stand upright. You can keep this large muscle strong by staying active and maintaining a healthy weight. Warm up before exercising to prevent injury. Focus on maintaining good posture. Keep your trapezius muscles flexible by stretching your shoulders and back frequently.
