Eric @ TPSH The scalene muscles are three paired muscles of the neck, located in the front on either side of the throat, just lateral to the sternocleidomastoid. There is an anterior scalene (scalenus anterior), a medial scalene (scalenus medius), and a posterior scalene (scalenus posterior). They derive their name from the Greek word skalenos and the later Latin scalenus meaning “uneven”, similar to … Read more
By Kathryn Merrow www.SimplePainRelief.com Having a forward head posture puts a lot of strain on the muscles of your neck and jaw. Having a “forward head” means that your head (and often one or both shoulders, too) are in front of your body. Where should your head be instead? Well, when you were a toddler, it … Read more
The trapezius muscles are the large muscles you can see on each side of your neck. However, this back muscle extends all the way from the base of the skull to the base of the spine and is involved in all movements of the shoulder. Although the trapezius is a very strong muscle, quite capable … Read more
Before you read more about extensor digitorum trigger points and learn about the causes of extensor digitorum pain, you may want to find about more about this muscle. Extensor Digitorum Trigger Points Causes and Symptoms The extensor digitorum muscle is responsible for extension of the fingers, and pain derived from trigger points in the extensor … Read more
The trapezius is a three-part (tripartite) muscle of the upper back extending from the base of the skull all the way to the lower thoracic spine and laterally from the clavicle to the entire length of the spine of the scapula. Together the two trapezii form a diamond or kite-shaped trapezoid from which the muscle … Read more
There is perhaps no other muscle, besides the trapezius, that is more prone to trigger points. Pain in the angle of the neck, a stiff neck, and even pain in the inner part of the shoulder blade are caused by often abused muscle. The levator scapulae (just say “scapula”) is also the muscle that complains … Read more
The levator scapulae is a muscle located on each side of the neck, situated posteriorly (in the back). It is named for its action in elevating or “lifting” the scapula and the word levator is the latin word for “to lift”. This muscle is like the over-worked back-stage prop guy of the neck. Always in … Read more
The masseter muscles are thick and powerful muscles located on each side of your face just under the cheek bones. These muscles, related to their size, are perhaps the strongest muscles in the body and their daily job is daunting. Since they also become over-active in times of stress, when we clench our jaw or … Read more
The masseter is a jaw muscle that gets its name from the Greek work “to chew”. It is the major muscle of mastication (chewing) of the human jaw and serves primarily to elevate the mandible (lower jaw) while the deep tissues help to protrude (protract) it forward. Although we rarely think of it, the mandible … Read more
The temporalis muscle is a very-hardworking muscle of the jaw. Even though it is located on the side of the head, its primary function is to assist in closing and retracting the jaw as a chewing muscle. If you place your fingers just above your ear while clenching and unclenching your jaw you will be … Read more