Why does the trapezius muscle hurt on one side but not the other?

One-sided pain in the trapezius muscle while the other side remains pain-free may be caused by physiological factors, or it could result from pathological conditions such as muscle strain or myofascial inflammation. It is advisable to visit a hospital for evaluation to determine the exact underlying cause.

1. Physiological Factors

Patients who do not exercise regularly may suddenly engage in intense physical activity, leading to excessive lactic acid production in the body. Accumulation of lactic acid in the trapezius muscle can cause pain. It is recommended to rest adequately and perform local massage to promote lactic acid metabolism and relieve symptoms.

2. Pathological Factors

1) Muscle Strain

Excessive use or high-intensity activity of the trapezius muscle can lead to sustained muscle tension and cause aseptic inflammation. Without sufficient or effective rest, this may develop into muscle strain, resulting in pain in the trapezius area. Adequate rest is recommended. Additionally, treatments such as ultrasound or infrared therapy administered by a qualified healthcare professional can help improve local blood circulation and alleviate symptoms.

2) Myofascial Inflammation

The trapezius muscle may be exposed to adverse stimuli such as cold, dampness, or trauma, potentially triggering aseptic inflammation and leading to myofascial inflammation, which causes pain in the shoulder area. For severe pain, medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, naproxen sustained-release tablets, or meloxicam dispersible tablets may be taken under medical guidance to achieve anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

In addition, cervical spondylosis may also cause pain on one side of the neck. A thorough medical examination at a hospital is necessary to identify the specific cause and initiate appropriate treatment promptly.