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If you’re experiencing neck pain, it could be due to trigger points in the neck muscles. Trigger points are areas of muscle that are tender, and tight, and can cause pain in other areas of the body. In the neck, trigger points are commonly found in the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), levator scapulae, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, scalenes and suboccipital muscles. Understanding the location, anatomy, and referred pain patterns of these trigger points can help you identify and manage your neck pain.
The SCM is a large muscle that runs from the base of the skull to the collarbone and breastbone. Trigger points in this muscle can cause pain in the neck, jaw, head, and even down the arm. The levator scapulae muscle runs from the neck to the shoulder blade and can cause pain in the neck, shoulder, and even down the arm when trigger points are present.
The splenius capitis and semispinalis capitis muscles are located at the back of the neck and can cause pain that radiates up the back of the head when trigger points are activated. Finally, the suboccipital muscles are located at the base of the skull and can cause pain that radiates up the back of the head and behind the eyes.
If you’re experiencing neck pain, it’s important to identify the trigger points that may be causing your discomfort. By understanding the location, anatomy, and referred pain patterns of the most common trigger points in the neck, you can better manage your pain and seek appropriate treatment. Your healthcare provider can help you develop a treatment plan that may include physical therapy, massage, or other interventions to help reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.
Most Common Trigger Points in the Neck
If you’re experiencing neck pain, it’s possible that you’re suffering from trigger points. Trigger points are areas of muscle that become tight and painful when they are compressed. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, stress, and overuse of muscles. In this section, we’ll discuss the most common trigger points in the neck and their associated symptoms.
Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
The sternocleidomastoid muscle, or SCM, is a large muscle that runs from the base of your skull to your collarbone and sternum. It is responsible for turning your head and tilting it to the side. When trigger points develop in the SCM, they can cause pain in the neck, jaw, and head. You may also experience dizziness, ear pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Levator Scapulae
The levator scapulae muscle runs from the top of your shoulder blade to the side of your neck. It is responsible for lifting your shoulder blade and rotating your neck. Trigger points in this muscle can cause pain in the neck, shoulder, and upper back. You may also experience headaches and difficulty turning your head.
Splenius Capitis
The splenius capitis muscle runs from the base of your skull to the middle of your neck. It is responsible for rotating and extending your head. Trigger points in this muscle can cause pain in the neck, head, and upper back. You may also experience dizziness and difficulty focusing your eyes.
Semispinalis Capitis
The semispinalis capitis muscle runs from the base of your skull to the middle of your back. It is responsible for extending and rotating your head. Trigger points in this muscle can cause pain in the neck, head, and upper back. You may also experience dizziness and difficulty focusing your eyes.
Suboccipital Muscles
The suboccipital muscles are a group of small muscles located at the base of your skull. They are responsible for stabilizing your head and neck. Trigger points in these muscles can cause pain in the neck, head, and upper back. You may also experience headaches and difficulty turning your head.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare professional who can diagnose and treat your condition. Treatment options may include massage, physical therapy, and trigger point injections.
Scalene Muscles
The scalene muscles are a group of three muscles located in the side of the neck. They are the anterior, middle, and posterior scalene muscles, and they play a crucial role in stabilizing the cervical spine and assisting in neck and upper rib movement. The scalenes are often overlooked as a source of pain, but they are known to harbor trigger points that can cause discomfort and referred pain patterns.
The anterior scalene muscle originates from the transverse processes of the third to sixth cervical vertebrae and inserts onto the first rib’s scalene tubercle. The middle scalene muscle starts from the transverse processes of the lower cervical vertebrae (C2-C7) and attaches to the first rib’s upper surface. The posterior scalene muscle, the smallest of the three, arises from the transverse processes of the lower two or three cervical vertebrae (C4-C6) and attaches to the second rib’s outer surface.
Scalene muscles can develop trigger points due to various factors, including poor posture, muscle overuse, or trauma. When these trigger points become active, they can cause pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Moreover, they can lead to referred pain patterns, which means that pain is experienced in areas not directly related to the trigger point’s location.
The referred pain patterns for scalene trigger points typically involve the neck, shoulders, and upper extremities. The anterior and middle scalene muscles, when affected by trigger points, can cause pain to radiate along the front and side of the neck, across the shoulder, down the arm, and even into the hand and fingers. This pain can sometimes be mistaken for carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, or other nerve compression disorders. The posterior scalene muscle’s trigger points, on the other hand, can cause pain to radiate into the upper back, shoulder blade area, and the back of the arm, potentially leading to a misdiagnosis of a rotator cuff injury or cervical radiculopathy.
In addition to pain, scalene trigger points can also cause other symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the upper extremities. This is due to the proximity of the scalene muscles to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves responsible for controlling the movement and sensation of the upper limbs. When the scalene muscles become tight and shortened, they can compress the brachial plexus, leading to these neurological symptoms.
Treatment of scalene trigger points often involves a combination of therapies to alleviate pain, release muscle tension, and restore proper function. Some common treatment options include:
Conclusion
It’s important to understand the trigger points in the neck muscles, including the sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, suboccipital muscles, and scalene muscles can cause referred pain that mimics other neck issues. Referred pain patterns can often lead to misdiagnoses, making it essential to recognize the relationship between trigger points and the pain experienced in seemingly unrelated areas. By employing targeted treatment methods such as self-massage, stretching, and heat therapy, individuals can effectively alleviate pain and improve their quality of life. However, it is essential to seek professional guidance from healthcare providers or therapists for persistent or severe pain to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
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