Definition Of "trapezius Muscle"

Your trapezius muscle is the muscle that runs along the dorsal, or back, side of your neck and shoulder. You can easily injure this muscle through sports or even simple activities such as yoga. This muscle regularly aids in daily activities and routines, so any injury will not go unnoticed.

Definition

Your trapezius muscle is a long, thin muscle that runs along your upper back through your shoulders and up the sides of your neck. This muscle is often felt when you stretch your upper back and is used when you carry an object over your shoulder or on your head.

Types

Your body has different types of muscles, such as smooth muscle and skeletal muscle. Smooth muscle is often referred to as involuntary muscle, according to KidsHealth. Involuntary means that your brain doesn't have to tell the muscle what to do; it just functions on its own. A good example is the muscle in your eye that's responsible for blinking. Skeletal muscles must be told what to do in order to perform, such as kicking a ball, flexing your arm muscles to show off for a special lady or grasping objects. Your trapezius muscle is a skeletal muscle since it must be told when it needs to work.

Function

In addition to helping your upper back and shoulders lift and carry things, your trapezius muscle also supports the weight of your head and helps it turn from side to side, according to YogaJournal.com. Without this muscle, you wouldn't be able to hold your head up, turn your head or lift or carry heavy objects.

Significance

If a trapezius injury is sustained, you can experience intense neck and shoulder pain. Since the muscle is so large and covers a wide area of your neck, shoulders and back, any movement after an injury can affect the pain felt in this area, even if it's just a sneeze that causes a slight jolt of your shoulders. If you begin to experience pain in your upper back and along the sides of your neck and shoulders, this could indicate you have a trapezius injury. Consult with your health care provider about proper care to prevent further muscle damage.