01/12/2025
If you have neck pain radiating down from your neck and over the shoulder, into your arm and perhaps even causing pain in the region of your first two ribs and your upper traps, then it could be your scalenes.
Scalenes are a group of 3 pairs of muscles in the lateral side of the neck. They originate in the cervicle spine vertebrae and insert into the first and second ribs.
This pain can be caused by whiplash, excessive coughing and in people that suffer with asthma, it can be caused by gasping of air, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Any repetitive movements that involve pulling and lifting with your arms level with the waist- such as pushing a wheel barrow as well as doing certain exercises at the gym, but not using the proper form can cause strain in the neck muscles.
If you work at a desk for long periods of time with your head held to one side, sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to one side, carrying heavy backpacks and wearing a tight collar or a tie can all cause pain and stiffness in these neck muscles.
A deep tissue treatment that targets the scalenes can help in relieving the pain and tension and allow for more movement of the neck.