Levator Scapulae Syndrome

In brief: The records of 66 patients who had been treated for levator scapulae syndrome were reviewed; these patients then completed a retrospective questionnaire. The purpose was to determine how many had previously been treated for shoulder and neck pain, the treatment administered, and the causes of the problem. Levator scapulae syndrome occurs frequently and is well documented, yet it often goes unrecognized, probably because of a lack of awareness of the condition. Diagnosis can be facilitated by positioning the patient so that the scapula is elevated, thus making the levator scapulae muscle insertion protrude. Effective treatment includes physical therapy and/or injection of an analgesic. However, like other forms of tendinitis, recurrence is likely.