That persistent ache between your shoulder blades. The tight, knotted feeling at the base of your neck. The stiffness that makes turning your head difficult.
These are all common signs of trapezius muscle pain, a condition that affects countless people, particularly in our modern, desk-bound society. While this type of pain is common, it doesn’t have to become your new normal. Did you know chiropractic care can help alleviate this type of pain? Keep reading to learn more.
What Causes Trapezius Pain?
The trapezius is a large, diamond-shaped muscle extending from the base of your skull down your spine and across your shoulder blades. This muscle plays an important role in supporting your neck, shoulders, and upper back. When it becomes strained or overworked, it can lead to significant discomfort.
Common causes of trapezius pain include:
- Poor posture, particularly forward head posture from computer use
- Repetitive movements that stress the upper body
- Carrying heavy bags on one shoulder
- Sleep position that strains the neck and shoulders
- Emotional stress, which leads to muscle tension
Certain occupations also place individuals at higher risk for developing trapezius pain. For instance, office workers, hairstylists, mechanics, and healthcare professionals often experience this condition. The combination of repetitive movements and sustained postures can create persistent tension in the trapezius muscle.
Can A Chiropractor Help With Trapezius Pain?
With chiropractic care, you and your Highlands Ranch and Parker chiropractors focus on restoring proper alignment and movement patterns throughout your spine and shoulder region. During treatment, your chiropractor performs specific adjustments to your spine, particularly in the cervical (neck) and thoracic (upper back) regions. These adjustments help restore proper nerve function and reduce muscle tension in the trapezius area. By improving spinal alignment, chiropractic care helps create better movement patterns and reduces stress on the trapezius muscle.
Your chiropractor will also evaluate your daily activities and posture to identify factors contributing to your pain. This comprehensive assessment allows them to provide specific recommendations for preventing future problems and maintaining long-term relief.
In turn, proper treatment can give way to the following benefits:
- Improved range of motion in your neck and shoulders
- Reduced muscle tension and pain
- Better posture and movement patterns
- Enhanced nervous system function
Does Trapezius Pain Ever Go Away?
Absolutely! Trapezius pain can absolutely improve with proper treatment and care. While acute cases might resolve relatively quickly, chronic trapezius pain often requires a more comprehensive approach. The key lies in addressing both the immediate pain and its underlying causes.
Your recovery timeline depends on several factors, including:
- The severity and duration of your condition
- Your daily activities and occupation
- How well you follow treatment recommendations
- Your overall health and lifestyle factors
Most people notice improvement within the first few treatments, but lasting relief typically requires consistent care and attention to proper posture and movement patterns. Your chiropractor will work with you to develop strategies for maintaining the health of your trapezius muscle long-term.
Take control of your trapezius pain today. At Awaken Chiropractic, our experienced chiropractors understand the complexities of trapezius muscle pain and how it affects your daily life. We’re committed to helping you achieve lasting relief through comprehensive chiropractic care. Book your appointment with us today!
