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Abstract
The levator scapulae muscle frequently contributes to neck and shoulder pain, yet is often overlooked by acupuncturists. A jingluo (channel) approach to pain often leads to treatment of the para-spinal muscles along the Bladder channel and the taut bands of the upper trapezius along the Gall Bladder channel. However, a small portion of the Small Intestine channel lies on the levator scapulae muscle in the region of Jianwaishu SI-14 and Jianzhongshu SI-15. Stagnation in this area is often missed by practitioners due to general pain and spasm of the neck and shoulder region. This article summarises the diagnosis and assessment of levator scapulae dysfunction so that this common site of stagnation may be effectively treated.
Keywords:
Acupuncture, levator scapulae, neck pain, scapular pain, scapular trigger points, scapular motor points, shoulder pain.
The levator scapulae muscle frequently contributes to neck and shoulder pain, yet is often overlooked by acupuncture practitioners. To achieve best results in treating neck and shoulder pain, one should be well-trained in the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of levator scapulae dysfunction. A jingluo (channel) approach to pain often leads to treatment of the para-spinal muscles of the Bladder channel and the taut bands of the upper trapezius along the Gall Bladder channel. However, stagnation along a small portion of the Small Intestine meridian - in the region of Jianwaishu SI-14 and Jianzhongshu SI-15 - is often missed due to general pain and spasm of the neck and shoulder region. Thus, the site of primary stagnation may remain untreated.
Realistically speaking, cervical and scapular pain can be quite complicated to treat. While the levator scapulae muscle may not be the sole cause of a patient's problems, the simple techniques that follow may benefit many patients whose chief complaint is neck and shoulder pain. Practitioners may need to use other points, treatments and techniques, but should not overlook the levator scapulae.
The origin of the levator scapulae is at the transverse processes of Cl, C2, C3 and C4. It inserts along a broad portion of the superior angle of the scapula.1 While the Bladder channel follows the para-spinal muscles lateral to the vertebral column, the pathway of the Small Intestine channel lies along the levator muscle. The points Jianwaishu SI-14 and Jianzhongshu...