Upper limb

Levator Scapulae

Musculus levator scapulae

Origin

Transverse processes of C1-C4

Insertion

Superior angle of the scapula

Function

Elevation of the scapula; assists lateral flexion of the neck to the same side

Innervation

Dorsal scapular nerve (C4-C5) and direct branches of the cervical plexus (C3-C4)

Movement & chain

Works together with the upper fibers of trapezius in scapular elevation; with a fixed scapula, the muscle bends the neck laterally and slightly rotates it to the same side.

Palpation

Easily felt at the upper border of the scapula just below the neck, often tender in people with chronic neck-shoulder tension.

Clinical

Classic site of tension complaints and trigger points from desk work ('stiff neck'); also often involved in so-called 'text neck'.

Segmental innervation

Dorsal scapular nerve C4-C5; C3-C4 via the cervical plexus.

In clinical practice

Commonly used site for trigger point treatment and dry needling in neck-shoulder complaints.

Region in the model

Upper limb