Have You Ever Faced Trapezius Muscle Pain?

Trapezius muscles play a fundamental role in shoulders as they support neck, head, arms, and shoulders and torso to move easily. Any strain or injury to these muscles can result in trapezius muscle pain which sometimes may be unbearable. Well, pain medicine clinic always recommend visiting a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Grades of Trapezius Muscle Strains

Three grades of muscle strains:

Grade I Strain

This is the mildest type of muscle strain with only a few fibers stretched or torn. You may feel your muscles tender but on the other hand you will be able to strengthen it.

Grade II Strain

In this type of strain, more fibers get injured and the tenderness and the pain is more severe. loss of strength, swelling, and bruising sometimes may occur.

Grade III Strain 

This type of strain has a severe feeling as the muscles are torn completely. Popping sensation is most of the time felt when the muscle rips in two or tears away from its own tendon. Discoloration, swelling, or pain is felt. Complete loss of muscle function occurs as it is a serious injury. The place where the muscle split, you can feel the gap or dent under the skin.

Causes of Trapezius Pain

Many reasons are associated with trapezius muscle pain. Some of the most relatable reasons for trapezius muscle pain are as given below:

• Pulled Muscles

Too far and too quick movement of the muscles may lead to injury. Due to the severed connection between the muscles, pain is likely to occur and range of motion is likely to be reduced

• Overuse

Recurring actions like swimming or lifting objects can result in trapezius muscle pain. Those people who are engaged in monotonous work with shoulder and neck muscles are more likely to face this type of muscle pain.

• Poor Posture

Your muscles can become tight while sitting over a computer or desk for a longer period of time. People with constrained work postures are also prone to develop symptoms related to trapezius muscle pain.

• Mental Stress

Psychological stress can result in long lasting tension in the muscles of shoulder and neck resulting in trapezius muscle pain. It has been reported previously that mental stressors can enhance the activity of the trapezius muscles. Increase in muscle activity is directly proportional to trapezius muscle pain.

• Injury

A violent collision or twist that exerts an increased amount of force on the upper back can result in trapezius muscle tear or pain. The muscles can get injured during car collisions, contact sports, weightlifting, and hard falls. The symptoms may be felt immediately. 

Symptoms of Trapezius Muscle Pain

Common possible symptoms of trapezius muscle pain may include:

• Numbness or Tingling 
• Neck pain/stiffness
• Arm weakness
• Muscle spasms
• Aching or sore sensation
• Posterior headaches
• Interscapular area pain
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Feeling warmth over the area
• Hard to concentrate
• Difficulty performing tasks on daily basis that require arm movement
• Inflammation of the affected area

Risk Factors

Participating in following activities increases your risk of straining your upper back

• Volleyball.
• Football.
• Strongman competitions.
• Basketball.
• Mountain climbing.

If you work in a profession which places additional pressure on your upper back region, the risk of sustaining a trapezius strain increases.Common examples include:

• Movers.
• Construction workers.
• Bricklayers.
• Firefighters.

Acute injuries are not always caused by trauma. Activities that stress the back, including lugging heavy groceries, poor posture, driving long distances, and sitting at a desk, can result in back problems.

How is a Trapezius Strain Diagnosed?

Our expert physicians at pain clinic Fort Worth identify and treat trapezius muscle injuries and strains by analyzing the cause of the injury and obtaining a complete medical history from the patient. If the patient is unable to explain directly what is causing the pain in muscles, then the doctor may recommend some other tests for proper analysis. Following steps may be taken by a doctor:

• Physical Examination: First of all, the doctor will do a physical examination to test the range of motion and to notice any tear or rip in the muscles and muscle tissues.
• X-rays: is very effective in finding a bone fracture due to any strain
• MRI: MRI to evaluate the severity and the position of the strain and to assess the occurrence of hematoma.

Possible Treatments

First of all, stretching is advisable, especially for those who spend a lot of time exerting pressure on their shoulder muscles. You can also apply other techniques like:

•  Either applying heat or ice or applying both followed by each other with a little bit gap can help in relieving pain as both will increase blood circulation. You can apply heat or ice on a daily basis to decrease the discomfort and promotion of recovery.
• Dry needling is very effective as it inserts needles at trigger points that may be the source of pain. This is a common physical therapy technique that helps in getting rid of muscle knots.
• Taping is a very common technique in which elastic tape is wrapped around the trapezius muscles and helps in relieving pain and pressure. 

Some alternative treatments include:

• Cupping
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Acupressure

Takeaway

Trapezius muscle pain can be unbearable sometimes. But if it is not severe and persistent then it can be relieved by applying home remedies. If you are unable to get rid of it then it is better to consult a doctor. Because, he will use some specific tools to find any tear and strain in the muscles that is causing pain. Doctors may also recommend lifestyle adjustments, combination of medications, and alternative treatments.