Levator Scapulae Muscle Anatomy
& Exercises 101: Neck & Scapula

Get ready to learn about the levator scapulae muscle anatomy and its functions. Discover the best exercises to target this neck and shoulder muscle.

This muscle is attached from the top of the scapula (shoulder blade) to the top of the neck.

Its main actions include raising the shoulder blades and bending the neck to the left or right side. It also supports the weight of the head.

The levator scapulae, which can be considered a back and a neck muscle, is a common cause of neck pain; Painful knots can form if you sit hunched over for long periods of time (e.g. at your computer). The easiest soultion is to just take frequent breaks to stand up and stretch or walk around - something to give the muscle a break.

On this page, I have provided a small glossary that defines the anatomical terminology within this page, in case you're not an anatomy whiz.

Levator Scapulae Muscle Anatomy

Levator Scapulae

• Origin
  • Transverse Processes of the Upper 3 or 4 Cervical Vertebrae
• Insertion
  • Superior Part of the Medial Border of the Scapula
• Function
  • Downward Scapular Rotation
  • Lateral Flexion of the Cervical Spine to the Left and Right
  • Scapula Elevation
  • Scapular Protraction
  • Rotation of the Cervical Spine to the Left and Right

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Levator Scapulae Muscle Exercises

Exercises. Below is a list of the exercises that most directly workout this neck and back muscle.

• Barbell Shrugs
• Cable Shrugs
• Dumbbell Shrugs (Seated or Standing)
• Inverted Shrugs
• Trap Bar Shrugs

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Related Back Muscles

Related Muscles. Muscles that perform similar functions include the following:

• Lower Trapezius Fibers
• Middle Trapezius Fibers
• Upper Trapezius Fibers
• Rhomboids

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Glossary

Functions

• Bilateral Flexion of the Cervical Spine. Bending the neck toward the left and right sides.
• Downward Scapular Rotation. Lowering the scapula, while also rotating the inferior angle of the scapula medially (i.e. toward the inside).
• Rotation of the Cervical Spine. Turning/twisting the neck to the left or right.
• Scapula Elevation. Raising the scapula upward.
• Scapular Protraction. Moving the scapula forward.

Anatomy

• Cervical Spine. The uppermost portion of the spinal column, from the base of the skull to the end of the neck region, consisting of 7 vertebrae.
• Cervical Vertebrae. The individual back bones of the cervical spine. There are 7 cervical vertebrae, beginning from the base of the skull to the end of the neck region.
• Scapula. Shoulder blade.
• Superior. Above, or higher; located closer to the head, away from the feet.
• Transverse Processes. A bony protrusion from both sides of each vertebrae; meaning there are two transverse processes on each vertebra, from which spinal muscles and ligaments attach.

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