The scapular levator syndrome refers to the pain felt in the scapular levator muscle, being one of the most common muscle pains, felt both in the lateral part of the neck, as well as in the shoulder.

The levator (lifting) scapular muscle, is a skeletal muscle located in the back and side of the neck. As the name suggests, its main function is to lift the scapula (shoulder blade), but it also helps extend the neck (bending it backwards) and stabilize it when the gaze is facing downwards.

The main symptom is deep pain, felt in the upper back, upper shoulder or neck, as well as in the shoulder blades. It can also manifest with a headache.

Movement can be affected, more precisely the turning of the head to the side, as well as raising the neck from the lying position. Some people have to support their necks with the help of their hands when trying to get up from the lying position. Also, the movement of the arms will be limited and the inclination of the head forward can be painful.

The posture of the body is no longer correct, one shoulder being higher than the other.

People who suffer from chronic pain in the scapula levator muscle are forced to give up certain activities or movements, such as sports that involve the racket.

Being a muscle commonly used in daily activities, certain movements or incorrect positions can lead to increased tension in the muscles, which leads over time to inflammation and pain. These incorrect movements/positions include:

➢ Holding the phone between the shoulder and the ear for longer periods of time

➢ Sleeping on the belly with the head turned

➢ Repetitive movements of the arms, in sports such as swimming, tennis, golf

➢ Lifting and transporting heavy objects, which generally pull the shoulders down, in which case the scapular levator muscle contracts to keep the shoulders in a normal position. If the weight is too high or the duration of transport too long or frequent (for example, wearing a heavy purse every day on the same side) - the scapular levator muscle will develop a painful contracture and/or inflammation.

➢ Looking up for a longer period of time, as happens in climbing for example, becomes a difficult task for the neck muscles, the scapular levator muscle having to work harder, which over time can lead to the appearance of pain and inflammation.

➢ Prolonged use of the phone or computer looking downwards is also a stress for the scapula levator muscles that have to stabilize the neck and prevent it from tilting too far forward. Usually, this activity does not bother the scapula levator muscles very much, but forcing them to do this for several hours a day becomes problematic. Thus, a seemingly mild activity becomes harmful, due to its duration.

Of the physiotherapy procedures, electrotherapy is especially helpful in relaxing the tense muscle. This involves applying a small amount of current to the affected muscle.

Gentle massage is one of the best ways to relax the contracted scapular levator muscle.

The recovery program through physical therapy will include both stretching exercises of the scapula levator muscle but also of the other muscles of the neck and shoulders, as well as toning exercises.

Physical exercise also helps alleviate posture problems.

If the damage to the scapula levator muscle was caused by a weak or deficient posture, learning the appropriate sitting positions can make a big difference (for example: the back and neck straight without tilting the head forward is a correct position at the desk).

It can treat functional back pain, shoulder pain, neck muscle pain but also associated headaches. Also osteopathy can easily treat muscle contractions, can correct the biomechanics of the spine, as well as the asymmetrical positions of the shoulders that appear as the manifestation of scapular levator syndrome. Correcting the posture of the shoulders and scapulas is beneficial for improving the muscle balance around the scapula.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, paracetamol, diclofenac etc.) help reduce inflammation and pain, but are recommended for short periods of time, 7-14 days.