Trapezius muscle

The trapezius muscle is a large muscle that runs from the back of the head toward the shoulder and from there to the mid-back. This muscle has a diamond shape. The Dutch name 'monnikskapspier' refers to the hood that monks wear. 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 muscle

In the upper part of the muscle, the muscle fibers are directed downward. Hence the name of this part, the trapezius descendens. Descendens stands for 'descending'. This section is important for lifting and pulling the shoulders back, but also for turning and tilting the head.

The middle section of the muscle is the trapezius transversa. In this part, the muscle fibers are directed to the side (transverse). Its main function is to extend the thoracic spine while the shoulder blades move toward each other.

The lower section of the muscle, the trapezius ascendens, has upward-directed (ascendens) muscle fibers. These ensure that the shoulder blade is held against the rib cage.

An overused trapezius muscle

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 symptoms include a pressing feeling in the mid or upper back, or a nagging muscle pain just above the shoulder blade. In the photos, some trigger points are marked with crosses. Symptoms 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. Because of this high origin, headache is a common problem when the trapezius causes symptoms. This is called referred pain.

Treatment

A physical therapist is especially well qualified to treat problems of the trapezius. Treatment will focus on reducing muscle tension and thereby reducing symptoms. Frequently used treatment methods are: massage, dry needling, taping, training of the neck muscles, and providing stretching exercises to do at home.

Make an appointment with a physical therapist near you right away.