Symptoms
Cervical stiffness
Stiffness on waking or after sustained postures, commonly from upper trapezius, levator scapulae and splenii.
Overview
Stiffness on waking or after sustained postures, commonly from upper trapezius, levator scapulae and splenii. Identifying which muscle reproduces the patient's familiar pain on palpation guides treatment and often produces meaningful change alongside standard care.
Clinical notes
Reproducible reproduction of stiffness on palpation supports myofascial driver.
Red flags — when to refer
Trauma, progressive neurological signs — refer.
Muscles often involved
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction