Muscle strain in the trapezius is more common than you’d think, especially for people who lead active or stressful lifestyles. In this article, we’ll explore what a trapezius muscle strain is, how it occurs, how to treat it, and how to prevent future injury.
If you’re experiencing neck and upper back discomfort, don’t wait. Contact Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine, serving Granville and Coshocton, OH, to schedule a consultation today.
The trapezius is a triangle-shaped muscle that spans the upper back and neck, supporting shoulder girdle movement and posture. When the muscle fibers in the upper trapezius are overstretched or torn, muscle strains happen, leading to pain, tension, and limited mobility.
Strains vary in severity from a mild strain affecting just a few fibers to severe pain caused by a more significant muscle injury or pulled muscle.
A trapezius muscle strain can occur in two primary ways: through an acute injury or from overuse.
Acute injuries happen suddenly, often from a hard fall, collision, or violent twist that overstretches or tears the muscle fibers. These events can cause immediate severe pain, muscle stiffness, and sometimes bruising near the shoulder blades or neck region.
Overuse strains develop gradually due to repetitive motions or excessive stress, such as prolonged poor posture or heavy lifting. When the trapezius muscle doesn’t get time to recover, ongoing muscle tension and micro-tears can lead to a mild strain, moderate strain, or chronic muscle pain.
Both types of muscle injury can significantly affect range of motion and daily function, highlighting the importance of early treatment and prevention.
Common symptoms include:
A doctor should diagnose trapezius pain if pain persists. Diagnosis usually involves the following:
Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine in Granville and Coshocton offer thorough assessments and personalized treatment plans for injured muscles.
Treatment varies based on severity:
A mild muscle strain may be treated using the following methods:
Moderate to severe strains may require the following treatments:
Medical professionals in Newark and Buckeye Lake emphasize a physical therapy regimen to restore muscle function and prevent chronic injury.
Gentle stretching can help relieve muscle tension and restore flexibility.
For those in Heath and Newark, these neck and trapezius stretches can be done at home between appointments with your physical therapist.
You could try the following methods to prevent trapezius muscle pain:
Staying proactive helps prevent future injury.
If neck pain or trapezius strain symptoms don’t improve in a week, or if you experience the following, you should contact a medical provider:
Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine is ready to assist patients in Granville, Coshocton, and the surrounding areas. Our team evaluates and treats trapezius strain with a blend of medical care, physical therapy, and patient education.
Contact Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine in Granville and Coshocton today to discuss your trapezius muscle strain or any other back or neck concerns. Our experienced providers will guide you from diagnosis through treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term prevention.
Medically reviewed by Eric Erb, MD
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