Levator scapulae
Body region：Neck
Stiff neck; pain from the side of the neck to the upper shoulder blade when turning the head
Function
Originates from the transverse processes of the upper cervical vertebrae and inserts at the upper angle of the shoulder blade. Lifts the shoulder blade and assists neck side bending and rotation to the same side.
Common causes
Prolonged sitting with shrugged shoulders, carrying a bag on one shoulder, or a poor pillow or sleep posture; often seen with a stiff neck.
Massage and stretching
- Thumb presses the upper corner of the shoulder blade
- Diagonal stretch with the head lowered
Related acupoints
- Jianjing (GB21)：Midpoint of the line between Dazhui and the shoulder tip, the highest point of the shoulder
- Tianzhu (BL10)：Inside the posterior hairline, at the outer edge of the large neck muscle (trapezius)
Related meridians
Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang、Small Intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang
Posture and muscle patterns
When to see a doctor：Numbness or weakness in the arm, or neck pain after an injury: see a doctor.