Scalene Strain

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By: Justin Carmel, PT, DPT

Where are the Scalene Muscles Located?

The scalene muscles consist of the three muscles found on each side of the neck. They run from the neck vertebrae to the upper two ribs. These 3 muscles are the 

  1. Anterior scalene
  2. Middle scalene
  3. Posterior scalene.

The scalene muscles are susceptible to a Muscle Strain. 

What is the Function of Scalene Muscles?

The primary action of the anterior and middle scalene muscles is to elevate the first rib, however they also flex and laterally bend the neck to same side. The primary action of the posterior scalene is to elevate the second rib and tilt the neck to the same side.

In a perfect world the scalene muscles are meant to be relaxed and not working. The scalene muscles are non-postural and fast-twitching muscles, which means they fatigue very quickly. 

When scalene muscles are over-worked, muscle fibers tighten and build up waste products, which in turn cause neck stiffness, soreness, and limited range of motion. 

The scalene muscles are the most prevalent muscles related to neck pain. When the scalene muscles get very tight, they will send trigger points to the head, jaw, cheek, and behind and above the eye. 

Tight or tense scalene muscles can also cause tension headaches and can pull the first rib upwards.

Can you Strain your Scalene Muscles?

Poor breathing can be a significant cause of a scalene strain. Moreover, this is common for people who struggle with chest breathing, which is when they breathe in with their chests out, which in turn causes serious strain to their scalene muscles. 

Strained scalene muscles can also make you cough harder when you are suffering from a common cold or allergies, as the scalene muscles struggle to lift your ribs when you are constantly coughing.

Activities that can cause scalene muscle pain are :

  • Whiplash
  • Excessive coughing
  • COPD
  • Asthma
  • Emphysema
  • Extended periods of head tilted
  • Sleeping on stomach with head to one side
  • Carrying a heavy backpack or purse on one side of the body

Effects of a Scalene Strain

The scalene muscles cover a large area of the neck, and as a result the scalene muscles are prone to injury and related overuse tension. Excessive tension in the scalene muscles may cause pain not only in the neck, but also in the chest, shoulder, upper back, and all the way down the arm into the hand.

Excessive tension in the scalene muscles can impinge both nerve and blood flow into the upper extremities, which often results in elevated pain. Because of their anatomical position, scalene muscles are frequently injured from car accidents, falls, and sports injuries. 

Excessive stress levels also tend to target the scalene muscles a little more than other muscle groups because of their function.

How Do You Relieve Scalene Pain?

Soft tissue massage is often used to treat pain caused by the scalene muscles by relieving tension in the musculature and increasing joint stability. Appropriate self-stretching interventions can also be beneficial in decreasing scalene pain. 

Scalene Stretches

1. This basic stretch that can be performed to stretch the scalene muscle requires an individual to hold your collar bone steady with your opposite hand, then tip your head sideways, away from the bad side. Take it to a point of tension and hold it for 30 seconds. 

2. Keep your head tipped sideways, but now turn your face and look down toward your armpit, and again hold it for 30 seconds.

3. Keep your head tipped sideways, but now turn your face up toward the ceiling and again hold it for 30 seconds

Related Links:

If you have a Scalene Strain or any other orthopedic issue, the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute can help. TO see a JOI Orthopedic Doctor, call (904)JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below. To see a JOI Rehab Therapist in 1 of our 12 locations, call (904)858-7045.

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