What is Trapezitis and How Can it Be Treated?
Sudden inflammatory pain on the back of the neck that can make one unable to move neck around which further make the shoulder and back hurt is no ordinary stress in the neck; it can be Trapezitis.
What is Trapezitis?
There is a large, flat, superficial muscle extending from the cervical to thoracic region on the back of the neck and trunk called trapezius muscle which when gets inflamed causes severe neck pain or neck spasm. Such a condition of neck stiffness, along with shoulder and upper back pain is called Trapezitis.
The trapezius muscle is responsible for the most crucial function of the body like lifting the head upwards and shrugging off the shoulder. They facilitate movement, rotation, and stabilization of the shoulder blade.
Usually, it takes between 3-5 days for the trapezitis pain to go away, but if not handled well can turn into a highly disabling condition. Although some significant reasons for trapezitis are long seated working hours on a computer or a bad posture, other causes of trapezitis are;
- Performing any activity/profession without moving your head or keeping head bend for a prolonged period
- Driving without a break for long distances
- Breastfeeding baby by bending the shoulder
- Weak neck muscles due to trauma, fall, blow or any health condition
- Holding a phone between ear and shoulder
- Carrying heavyweights
- Sleeping on your back/stomach with your head turned one side
- Sports activities with sudden one-sided movements
Symptoms of Trapezitis
- Episodes of chronic neck pain in short intervals
- Headaches on the temples/base of the skull
- Severe neck stiffness
- An inflamed or aching shoulder
- Limited range of motion
- Nerve compression followed by tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms, hands, and fingers on the affected side.
Trapezitis Treatment Options
Take a break from whatever strenuous activity you are doing and give plenty of rest to relax the strained muscle fibers.
An ice pack or cold compress on the affected area for at least 10-15 minutes can reduce swelling and inflammation incredibly well.
Using warm coconut or olive oil give the affected area a good deep massage to prevent muscle spasms.
Avoid or use a pillow that makes the body comfortable and keeps the spine properly aligned with the neck.
Wear a cervical collar to not only reduce the trapezitis pain but also to prevent unnecessary movement of the neck. It is advisable to avoid using it for long, or the condition can worsen.
Perform breathing exercises such as yoga to improve posture and promote proper blood circulation in the area and make it a habit to practice daily to reduce the chances of recurrence.
Start with trapezius exercises at home to strengthen your weak neck muscles. Or stretch the stress out. While working, make sure to stretch in between to release the tension accumulated in your neck muscles. Turn your head slowly to the left and the right or the right, so it's parallel with your shoulder. Bring back to the center and make the same motion to the left, and repeat alternatively. You can also do the same by tilting your head to the left, keeping your nose facing forward. Place your left hand over your ear and lightly apply pressure. Use your right hand to reach behind your back from underneath. Touch your shoulder blade to ensure you're keeping it down and to the back. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
If nothing works, the best option is to go for physical therapy. Bring home the best electrotherapy device called SONICTENS and start treating trapezitis on your own. It is safe, free from side effects, 100% natural, non-invasive, and above all, easy to operate. Its electrical impulses will work on your affected area and release the stress from the trigger points, thereby reducing the pain, swelling, or inflammation associated with trapezitis.
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