Why does pinching the trapezius muscle hurt so much?

Pain when pinching the trapezius muscle may be caused by muscle strain, shoulder periarthritis, cervical spondylosis, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital to determine the exact cause.

1. Muscle Strain

Excessive activity, overly intense movements, or maintaining a static posture for prolonged periods can easily lead to muscle tension, causing local aseptic inflammation and resulting in muscle strain, which manifests as pain in the trapezius area. It is recommended to rest more and, under a doctor's guidance, use treatments such as ultrasound or infrared therapy to promote local blood circulation and improve symptoms.

2. Shoulder Periarthritis

After injury to the shoulder joint capsule, surrounding ligaments, tendons, or bursae, chronic inflammation develops, leading to shoulder periarthritis and shoulder pain. As the condition progresses, the pain may spread, causing discomfort when the trapezius muscle is pinched. It is recommended to receive treatments such as massage or acupuncture under the supervision of a qualified physician to relieve pain.

3. Cervical Spondylosis

Acute neck injuries or degenerative changes in the cervical intervertebral discs can result in narrowed disc spaces and decreased cervical spine stability, leading to cervical spondylosis. When degenerated facet joints or ligaments compress or irritate adjacent nerves, blood vessels, or spinal cord structures, it can cause pain upon pinching the trapezius muscle. It is recommended to follow medical advice and take medications such as celecoxib capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

In addition, degenerative osteoarthritis may also be a contributing factor. Active treatment under a doctor’s guidance is recommended to avoid delaying the condition.