Chiropractor and Acupuncturist, Chapel Hill, NC
The trapezius, a muscle that supports body posture and enables shoulder and head movements, is a part of our everyday activities. Nerve input to the trapezius muscle from the brainstem and upper cervical spine influences its function and activity. The trapezius muscle, with its unique characteristics, is particularly impacted by physical and mental stress, affecting our daily routines. Chiropractic and acupuncture treatments that affect the muscles, the nervous system, and the stress response can bring relief, making our daily activities more manageable.
The trapezius muscle is the largest in the body. It is trapezoid-shaped and originates from the skull and the spinous processes of the lower neck to the mid-lower back, C7-T12. Additionally, the trapezius muscle attaches to several points of the posterior shoulders on either side, with connections at the medial clavicle, outer acromion, and the spine of the scapula or shoulder blade.
The trapezius muscle is the only upper limb muscle that does not receive innervation from the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves arising from the lower cervical spine. Motor innervation comes from the 11th cranial nerve, meaning it arises from within the skull, while sensation for this muscle originates from the third and fourth cervical nerves. Tightness in the head and upper neck will impact the muscles, while tightness in the trapezius will impact the neck, shoulders, and posture.
The trapezius muscle plays a crucial role in stabilizing the shoulders and facilitating neck and shoulder movements. This makes it a key player in many work activities, such as typing while keeping the head steady to look at a computer screen. In jobs that are high-stress and demand speed and accuracy without many postural breaks, the trapezius muscle is significantly impacted by the stress response. This can lead to persistent muscle tightness and imbalance, causing trapezius muscle spasms that can interfere with other aspects of life and rest. At Acupractic, Dr. Oskardmay teaches stress reduction techniques that can help alleviate neck pain and improve overall body posture.
Many patients experience trigger points or knots between shoulder blades where the trapezius muscle inserts to stabilize the shoulder. Using trigger point therapy, chiropractic adjustments to the spine and extremities, acupuncture, and electroacupuncture or electro-stim, Dr. Oskardmay helps resolve trapezius tension and improve posture by getting to the source of the problem without drugs or surgery.
Call our office today at (919) 929-1400 or visit our website at acudocnc.com to experience relief from neck and back pain, shoulder, and headaches. Serving the Triangle since 1995, Dr. Lisa Oskardmay at Acupractic Natural Healing Center is here for you.