Shoulder Blade Muscles & Neck Pain

How they're connected & what to do about it

Neck anatomy of a skeleton

In this article we'll discuss how the shoulder blades can cause neck issues, how to strengthen the shoulder blade muscles for neck pain relief, and the importance of posture for neck health.

Why are the shoulder blades important for neck pain?

The shoulder blades are directly connected to the neck & affect your posture. Weak & tight shoulder blade muscles can even cause neck pain. However, the correct strengthening & stretching exercises for your shoulder blade muscles can help neck issues.

Digital illustration of a human upper body with transparent skin, highlighting the shoulder blades and neck.

The shoulder blades control posture

Poor posture can lead to neck pain

Slouched shoulders put the neck in poor alignment which strains the muscles & joints of the neck and can lead to neck pain.

Two stylized profile views of a person standing with bad posture and good posture..

Important Shoulder Blade (Scapular) Muscles for Neck Pain

3D illustration of a human skeleton with trapezius muscles showing.

Trapezius

Pull shoulder blades backward

The middle & lower trap help posture while the upper trap can be a source of neck pain & tension.

3D illustration of a human skeletal structure with muscles of the neck highlighted.

Rhomboids

Pull shoulder blades backward

This muscle helps maintain good posture. Weak Rhomboids can contribute to poor posture & neck pain.

3D rendering of a human skeleton showing the pectoralis minor muscles.

Pectoralis Minor

Pull shoulder blades forward

The pec minor pulls the shoulder blades forward into poor posture which puts the neck in bad alignment.

Scapular Muscles, Neck Pain, & Posture

Which shoulder blade exercises will improve my posture and help my neck pain?

There are 3 important strengthening exercises for the trapezius & rhomboid muscles which will help with your posture & prevent your shoulder blades from slouching forward.

We'll also show you 3 key stretches and massage techniques for the pectoralis minor muscles to release tightness in your chest & improve posture.

To jump to the exercises, click

here.

What equipment will I need to work on my shoulder blades & posture?

To do our recommended exercises for improving your posture & neck pain, you'll need a resistance band, tennis ball (or massage gun), and a foam roller.

Besides exercises for the shoulder blades, what else can help neck pain?

The most directly helpful thing you can do for neck pain is to go straight to the source. Neck strengthening & stretching exercises are a research-backed way to help chronic neck pain. The NecksLevel Glide and Glide Pro were designed by physical therapists to fix the underlying neck weakness & tightness causing neck pain.

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NecksLevel Glide

Relieve neck pain & improve mobility with the ideal neck strengthening tool. Pain-free exercises guaranteed to eliminate & prevent neck pain.

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3 Strengthening Exercises for the Shoulder Blades

These exercises strengthen the trapezius and rhomboid muscles which are important for keeping the head, neck, and shoulders in proper alignment.

Equipment Required: Resistance Band

1. No Moneys | Shoulder Blade Strengthening

Instructions: With palms up and elbows at your side, pull the resistance band apart while squeezing your shoulder blades together.

Sets: 3 sets of 10 reps

2. Rows | Shoulder Blade Strengthening

Instructions: Anchor middle of resistance band on door or banister. Pull band toward you while squeezing shoulder blades together.

Sets: 3 sets of 10 reps

3. Extension | Shoulder Blade Strengthening

Instructions: Keep arms straight and pull hands toward your pockets. Keeps palms forward and squeeze shoulder blades.

Sets: 3 sets of 10 reps

Stretching & Massaging the Shoulder Blade Muscles

These exercises stretch & release the pectoralis minor in the front of the chest. Tight pec minors pull the shoulders forward and can cause neck pain.

Equipment Required: Tennis Ball (or Massage Gun) & Foam Roller

1. Pec Minor Massage | Shoulder Blade Stretching

Instructions: With a massage gun or tennis ball, massage the pec minor muscle which lies just inside the shoulder on the chest.

Perform 1-2 minutes

2. Pec Stretches | Shoulder Blade Stretching

Instructions: Lie on a foam roller to get your shoulder blades back, then stretch the pec minor with arms at your sides and pec major in the field goal position.

Perform 1-3 minutes per stretch

3. Shoulder Rolls | Shoulder Blade Stretching

Instructions: Perform backwards shoulder circles to stretch the pec minor and activate the trapezius and rhomboid muscles.

Perform 20 reps

Posture Reminder - Squeeze your shoulder blades back

Stylized profile view of man sitting at desk with bad posture and good posture

Posture hack:

Whenever you notice your neck is bothering you, remind yourself to sit up tall and pull your shoulders back. This will automatically take stress off your neck.

Summary: Scapular Muscles, Neck Pain, & Posture

The shoulder blades can play a role in chronic neck pain

Try our recommended shoulder blade exercises to improve your posture and help with neck pain. We recommend a few weeks of training to determine if the exercises are helpful. Remember, we want to strengthen the scapular muscles in the back, and stretch out the pecs in the front. These exercises are commonly used in physical therapy clinics for posture & neck pain.

The neck and shoulder blades are intimately related

The shoulder blade muscles attach to your neck and greatly affect posture. With this is mind, it's important keep your shoulder blades strong & be consistent with these simple exercises. Now, we'll turn to what's next if you still need help with neck pain.

What if your neck still hurts?

The shoulder blades are often just part of the equation. Targeted neck rehab exercises for neck strengthening & stretching is most important. Luckily, we can help you with neck strengthening as well. It's what we do best.

Image of man wincing with neck pain

NecksLevel Glide: Neck Strengthening Device

Doctor-invented for neck pain relief

Treat neck pain at the source

Weakness & tightness of the neck muscles can now be fixed with a few simple exercises on the NecksLevel Glide.

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FAQs - Shoulder Blade Muscles & Neck Pain

Written by:

Professional headshot of Scott Dickenson - CEO NecksLevel

Dr. Scott Dickenson, DPT, ATC

Physical Therapist

Scott is an Orthopedic Physical Therapist specializing in neck pain with nearly a decade of clinical experience. He regularly speaks at national Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, & Chiropractic conferences on neck injuries & rehab in sport.

NecksLevel Glide

"Like having a Physical Therapist in your home"

Professional neck strengthening and stretching in one compact device. Relieve neck pain while reducing neck stiffness & improving your posture.

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