Trapezius Muscle
The trapezius is a large paired trapezoid-shaped surface muscle that extends longitudinally from the occipital bone to the lower thoracic vertebrae of the spine and laterally to the spine of the scapula. It moves the scapula and supports the arm. While the trapezius muscle is mainly postural, it is also used for active movements such as side bending, rotation of the head, elevating and depressing the shoulders, and internally rotating the arm. The trapezius elevates, depresses, and retracts the scapula.
Most of us carry a lot of tension in the upper trapezius and neck muscles. We experience muscle knots, spasms, or pain located over the muscle between the neck and the shoulder.
Poor posture is a common cause of trapezius muscle pain. People who spend long periods hunched over their computer or smartphone are prone to developing chronically tight trapezius muscles which can lead to neck, shoulder, and upper back pain.
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