11/17/2025
💪 Muscle Monday: The Scalenes
If you struggle with neck pain, headaches, shoulder discomfort, or jaw tension, your scalenes may be a big contributor.
The scalenes are a group of three muscles that work together, and as a group they:
Originate:
Transverse processes of the C2–C7 vertebrae
Insert:
1st and 2nd ribs (the anterior and middle attach to the 1st rib, the posterior attaches to the 2nd)
These muscles help with breathing and neck stabilization, but when they tighten up they can:
• Create deep, nagging neck pain
• Refer headaches behind the eyes
• Mimic nerve pain down the arm
• Pull the shoulders forward
• Contribute to TMJ tension
Because they run from the neck to the ribs, tension here can affect everything from breathing to posture.
If your scalenes need a reset, I’d love to help.
🗓️ Book a session and let’s get your neck feeling better again.