Trapezius muscle

The trapezius muscle is a large muscle that runs from the back of the head to the shoulder and from there to the mid-back. This muscle has a diamond shape. The The Latin name for this muscle is musculus trapezius, often shortened to trapezius. The muscle consists of three parts, each with a slightly different function.

The three parts of the trapezius

In the upper part of the muscle, the muscle fibres are directed downwards, hence the name of this part: the trapezius descendens. This part is important for lifting and pulling the shoulders back, as well as for turning and tilting the head. The middle part of the muscle is the trapezius transversa. In this part, the muscle fibres are directed to the side. The main function is to extend the thoracic spine while the shoulder blades move towards each other. The lower part of the muscle, the trapezius ascendens, has upward-facing muscle fibres. These ensure that the shoulder blade is held against the rib cage.

An overused trapezius

The trapezius is a muscle that is always active. Even small changes, such as walking with raised shoulders or a changed sleeping position, can lead to overuse. An overused trapezius often causes increased muscle tension with muscle knots (trigger points). This is usually experienced as a painful or stiff neck. Other possible complaints include a pressing feeling in the mid or upper back or dull muscle pain just above the shoulder blade. In the photos, some trigger points are marked with crosses. Complaints are then often felt at the level of the red areas. An interesting fact is that the trapezius is directly controlled by the eleventh cranial nerve, the accessory nerve. Due to this high origin, headache is a common problem when the trapezius causes complaints. This is called referred pain.

Treatment

The physiotherapist is the specialist in treating trapezius complaints. The treatment aims to reduce muscle tension and thereby the complaints. Frequently used treatment options are: massage, dry needling, taping, training of the neck muscles, and providing stretching exercises to do at home. Make an appointment with a physiotherapist near you straight away.