The major muscles of the neck are the upper trapezius, scalenes and levator scapula. As one of the major muscles, the levator scapula has a couple of important jobs; it elevates the scapula (shoulder blade) towards the ear as the name implies and flexes the neck to one side. When this muscle is injured there are a few key symptoms. These symptoms include; one-sided neck pain, pain that causes the head to feel rotated or bent to one side, or pinpoint pain around the shoulder blade. When these symptoms are present, treatment of the levator scapula should be incorporated into the overall treatment strategy. The important point in this condition is to directly treat the muscle with acupuncture to decrease the tension and contraction. Other modalities can be added, such as gua sha and cupping, these treatments are used to help release and lengthen the muscle. In this condition, the overall goal of acupuncture is to decrease the muscular contraction, eliminate pain and improve range of motion.

Author:

Dr. Derek Kirkham, DAOM, MS, EAMP, LAc is an Acupuncturist, Herbalist and Clinic Director at Glow Natural health Center.