Muscles causing headaches - Levator Scapulae - Dr Gert Ferreira - Chiropractor in Centurion
Levator Scapulae causing headaches - Dr Gert Ferreira - Chiropractor in Centurion - PretoriaThe Levator Scapulae is the next muscle in the series of muscles that causes headaches. It is one of the less common muscles but still very important in understanding which muscles causing headaches. It may be confused with pain in the Trapezius muscle.
Anatomy:
The muscle originates on the sides of the transverse process (Lateral aspect of the vertebrae) of C1-C4 and then inserts in the medial border of the scapula. It is supplied by the dorsal scapular nerve and the action of this muscle is basically elevation of the scapula and extension and lateral flexion of the neck.
Common Injuries:
When this muscle goes into muscle spasm the muscle can lead to sensory disturbances like numbness in the posterior part of the neck. You normally complain about a stiff neck especially after lifting objects, cradling a phone on one shoulder, and this a common area that people refers to "hold" stress. Whiplash can also affect this muscle.
Pain pattern:
Referred pain from levator scapulae - Dr Gert Ferreira - Chiropractor in Centurion
This muscle refers pain into the angle of the neck and the base of the skull. The pain can also go as far down as the posterior part of the shoulder. Because this muscle is attached to the upper cervical spine, when under spasm or when tight it can cause tension on those vertebrae and cause pain.
How a chiropractor can treat this muscle:
Typically a Chiropractor;will do an array of soft tissue work (muscle work) that includes, massage, myofascial dry needling (wrongly referred as Acupuncture), kinesio taping (RockTape) and even Fascia "release".
A Chiropractic adjustment will be delivered to the affected neck vertebrae to "reset" the body system and try to get homeostasis.
Home treatment includes:
Stretching
Ice or Heat therapy - Click here for a blog on Ice therapy, but heat therapy can work just as well
For more infomation please feel free to get hold of us:
012 663 1572
082 803 1949
dr.gertferreira@gmail.com
Regards
