Journal of Spine

Comparison of Upper, Middle, and Lower Trapezius Strength in Individuals with Unilateral Neck Pain

Abstract

Rucha Choudhari, Deepak Anap, Keerthi Rao and Chandra Iyer

Introduction: Patients with neck pain often have subjective complaints of muscle stiffness, tension, or tightness in addition to their pain. It has been stated that in neck pain there is tightness of Upper Trapezius leading to weakness of Middle and Lower Trapezius, so this study compares the strength of Upper, Middle and Lower Trapezius muscle on the side of pain and the contralateral side.

Method: The strength of Upper, Middle, and Lower Trapezius were assessed and compared on the side ipsilateral and contralateral to the pain in individuals with unilateral neck pain using Stabilizer Pressure bio feedback unit.

Results: It has been shown that there is no significant difference in the strength of Upper Trapezius while there is a significant difference in the strength of Middle, And Lower Trapezius muscle on the side of pain and opposite side.

Conclusion: The study supports that assessment and strengthening of Upper, Middle, and Lower Trapezius is necessary in individuals with unilateral neck pain.