What actions does the levator scapulae muscle perform?
What actions does the levator scapulae muscle perform?
The levator scapulae functions to elevate the scapula and tilt the glenoid cavity inferiorly by rotating the scapula downward. If the scapula is fixed, a contraction of the levator scapulae leads to the lateral flexion of the cervical vertebral column to the side and stabilizes the vertebral column during rotation.
What are the attachments and action of the levator scapula muscle?
| Levator scapulae muscle | |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Superior part of medial border of scapula |
| Artery | dorsal scapular artery |
| Nerve | cervical nerve (C3, C4) and dorsal scapular nerve (C5) |
| Actions | Elevates scapula and tilts its glenoid cavity inferiorly by downwardly rotating the scapula |
What is the origin insertion and action of the levator scapulae?
Functionally, however, it is considered to be a muscle of scapular motion along with the rhomboids, serratus anterior, serratus posterior superior and inferior muscles….Levator scapulae muscle.
| Origin | Transverse processes of vertebrae C1-C4 |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Medial border of scapula (from superior angle to root of spine of scapula) |
What is the function of the rhomboids?
The rhomboids are a collective group of muscles formed by the rhomboid major and minor. The rhomboids are important in upper limb movement and stability of both the shoulder girdle and scapula. Both rhomboids receive innervation from the dorsal scapular nerve and supplied by the dorsal scapular artery.
Why is my levator scapulae tight?
Levator scapulae syndrome is usually caused by poor posture of the shoulders. For example, sitting at a computer hunched over with your shoulders rounded. This posture stretches the levator scapulae muscle and, if performed over a long period of time, it can cause inflammation and pain within the muscle.
How do you activate levator scapulae?
Strengthening Exercises for the Levator Scapula
- Kneel on hands and knees in a relaxed position.
- Arch your back, relax the muscles in your neck and gently let your head drop.
- Reverse the pose, flatten your back and raise your head to look up at the ceiling.
- Hold for a few seconds and repeat.
How do I strengthen my levator scapulae?
How do I know if my rhomboids are weak?
a popping or grinding noise when you move the shoulder blade. tightness, swelling, and muscle knots around the muscle. loss of movement, or difficulty or pain when moving the muscle. pain when breathing.
How do you treat a tight levator scapulae?
How to Treat Levator Scapulae Pain
- Electrical stimulation: This can relax the strained muscle.
- Massage: Having a levator scapulae massage is said to be one of the best ways to relax this muscle and the surrounding area.
What are the functions of the levator scapular muscle?
which is located at the back and side of the neck.
How does the levator scapulae cause neck pain?
The final common root cause of levator scap neck pain is dysfunctional scapular movement. This issue usually presents itself in upward rotation of the scaps, which is required to fully lift your arms up overhead.
What is the nerve supply to the levator scapula?
The levator scapulae is supplied by two or three branches of the third and fourth cervical nerves, and frequently by a branch from the dorsal scapular nerve. The levator scapulae is supplied by the dorsal scapular artery.