14/10/2026
NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN? THIS LITTLE MUSCLE MIGHT BE PART OF THE PROBLEM!
Ever wake up with a stiff neck? Feel a nagging ache between your neck and shoulder? Or find it painful to turn your head?
One muscle that could be contributing is called the Levator Scapulae.
🔍 What is the Levator Scapulae?
It’s a muscle that runs from the upper part of your neck down to your shoulder blade.
Its job is to help lift your shoulder blade and support neck movement.
When this muscle gets tight, irritated or overworked, it can contribute to:
* Pain on one side of your neck.
* Aching around the top of your shoulder blade.
* Stiffness or discomfort when turning your head.
* Pain that sometimes travels up towards the back of your head.
* That constant feeling of tightness between your neck and shoulder.
🔍 How can you tell if it’s involved?
Here are a few common signs:
✅ You feel a tender spot where your neck meets your shoulder blade.
✅ Turning your head to the opposite side and looking down makes the area feel tight or sore.
✅ Your neck feels stiff after sitting at a desk, driving or looking down at your phone for too long.
✅ Pressing around the upper inner corner of your shoulder blade brings on that familiar ache.
These signs can suggest the muscle is involved, but they don’t confirm the cause of your pain.
🧘 Try this simple stretch!
Levator Scapulae Stretch
1. Sit comfortably and relax your shoulders.
2. To stretch your right side, turn your head about 45° to the left.
3. Slowly look down towards your left armpit.
4. Keep your right shoulder relaxed and down.
5. Hold for 20–30 seconds, then switch sides.
Repeat 2–3 times on each side. Keep it gentle and never force the stretch.
💡 Remember
Not all neck and shoulder pain comes from your spine. Sometimes, the muscles around your neck and shoulder blades can play a big part too.
If your pain keeps coming back, doesn’t improve or comes with tingling or weakness in your arm, it’s worth getting it properly checked.
A little understanding of your body can go a long way!
Dr. Hoang
HD Chiropractic Charters Towers
