Thread: Depressed Scapula

I'm suspecting that I may have some scapular depression. I have three questions.

1. What are some common exercises that can cause and/or aggravate this condition? I'd like to know if there are things I'm doing that are contributing potentially to this condition. Please give me a list of exercises that I should be avoiding with this condition.

2. Can this condition cause neck pain/discomfort and headaches, specifically tension type headaches? It is my understanding that if I have this, then my shoulders are actually pulling down on my upper traps and levator scapulae causing the discomfort?

2. What are some exercises that I can do and should focus on in my training to help correct the problem and elevate the scapulae? It almost seems to simple to ask, but should I be incorporating more shrugging exercises into my training, along with others?

I'm sure that I have some postural issues to work on as well, but I've noticed within the past couple of months that I have been getting really bad neck discomfort almost daily and the only thing I can think of that I've done differently in training is upped the frequency of certain exercises, and I wonder if some of those are contributing? Two that come to mind are overhead pressing and chinups...should I eliminate them for now?

thank you as always....

Originally Posted by Pirate!

You should see a physical therapist. It's easier to diagnose than treat. I've a related issue, and incorporating cervical traction has been essential for stretching the area.

by cervical traction, do you mean a neck brace like device? I purchased something that goes around your neck and you pump it up and it was called neck traction, I wonder if we're talking about the same thing, and if so, then how long would I need to use the thing to experience some form of improvement or relief?