Neck Tension

Hi,

When playing the guitar I get a very tense muscle (or something) - it leads from behind the right ear down to somewhere near the point of the shoulder. It seems separate and slightly in front of what I think of as the Trapezius. It's so tense that if I put my left hand behind my head and pull my head down and to the left it's stretched like a web from behind the ear to the shoulder point. What is it, and what could trigger such tension being caused by the most gentle movements of my right arm in playing? Is there a good way of stretching it?

Perhaps it is to do with the posture you are adopting while playing and the way you are using your body. I agree that it most likely a specific muscle that has become tight and is overusing while playing - although you can't be 100% sure. I would not be able to telly you which muscle is involved based on what your description. However typical muscles involved could be the upper trapezius, leavator scapulae or one of the scalene muscles. the posture adopted is asymmetrical and often involves aspects of bending and twising of the neck and spine. Why not find a physio that works with with musicians who can assess your problem. the therapist should watch you playing as part of the assessment. Methods such as the Alexander method or the Feldenkrais method have some evidence for these types of problems and musicians often report benefits from these educational methods.

Looked at some diags and videos and it's frustrating I still can't make up my mind what it is. Best guess is a Scalene.

Anyway, thanks.