Comments on: Overactive Upper Trapezius

By: Jordan Byrne

Jordan Byrne — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 16:08:00 +0000

Hi, in your experience have you ever found overactive upper traps to cause a tingling sensation around the scapular area?

By: Falcon

Falcon — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 13:31:00 +0000

Great article, something very similar happened to me when my right upper trap became over excited after sleeping in a bad position after a squat session earlier that day, the trap has now released the neck and my shoulder but has managed to stretch the nerves causing some sort of brachial plaxopathy which has cause a wasting tricep which is almost useless now but thankfully after some PT and rest some sort of strength is returning yet there is sudden pain whenever the nerves are stretched trying out some nerve gliding work now hopefully this will fade away… just a question can I excercise while under brachial plaxopathy or will it further damage the nerves… can i just do squats?

By: Nathen Schram

Nathen Schram — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 17:45:00 +0000

Awesome, thanks! I did Friday’s workout by substituting power snatches for the cleans (8*5) and got normal trap soreness but nothing in the neck. I’ll see what I can do here, thanks for the help!!!

By: Melissa Hurley

Melissa Hurley — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 17:39:00 +0000

Hey Nathen, I spoke with a colleague and he is on the same page as me. It sounds like multiple mobility issues and trigger points in your traps. It’s probably more from doing cleans and exacerbating any trigger points you might have in your upper traps than the shoulder mobility. It all tends to add up quickly however. We suggest you see a acupuncturist or other socialist who is trained in trigger therapy or dry needing.

By: Nathen Schram

Nathen Schram — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 20:30:00 +0000

Also, don’t know if this is useful in diagnosing my weak links but my strict press and power snatch are both heavier than my overhead squat. Maybe that tells you something about the shoulder? Thanks again!

By: Nathen Schram

Nathen Schram — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 20:07:00 +0000

Never the day of, but next 2 days always require iburophen. Front squats & cleans (barbell front rack) only. From just above the scapula to base of skull will get very sore & result in headaches. It’ll happen from sets of 10 w/ 95, and it’s happened hitting 265 for a triple. Kettlebell front rack doesn’t do it, pressing doesn’t (elbows are lower / forearms vertical), deadlifting’s fine, etc. I’ve guessed mobility issue (can’t keep full grip in front rack), insufficient external rotation of shoulders, midback weakness that allows my shoulders to fold forward too much, nerve entrapment…? No idea, but I’ve quit barbell front squats & cleans because of it. Fortunately the Fitness Programming allows alternatives, but that keeps me out of most Crossfit & all competitions. Thanks for your time!

By: Melissa Hurley

Melissa Hurley — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 19:13:00 +0000

“Brutal doms” in the upper trap and neck? Can you tell me a little more? Just next day pain? Muscular tightness-fatigue?

By: Nathen Schram

Nathen Schram — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 21:35:00 +0000

My upper traps used to be chronically tight but more balanced development seems to have helped. But now any front rack gives me brutal doms in the upper trap and neck. No one’s been able to figure this one out unfortunately so I’m starting to avoid cleans and barbell front squat (kb don’t cause it). If anyone had any ideas, thanks!

By: Melissa Hurley

Melissa Hurley — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 00:23:00 +0000

I’m right there with you Anthony. Hopefully some of the future blogs I’m writing will help with the headaches and build that shoulder. Stay tuned

By: Ali Jones

Ali Jones — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 03:55:00 +0000

Good stuff Mel!!!