Levator Scapulae or Herniated Disc?

[karoloydi]

It usually happens on shoulder day. I think it initially happened when I was doing shrugs or military presses. I have this pain that starts on the left side on the top back of my neck and ends close to the back of my shoulder.
It seems to follow the path that the Levator Scapulae muscle is taking.
Its already been about 6 weeks since it first happened. It seemed like it went away, but two days ago I did my shoulder workout and it came back again.
Whenever the pain comes its hard for me to move my neck to the direction of the pain and it feels tight. The pain is similar with when you pinch a nerve when you sleep in the wrong position. But not as painful and I have more range of motion.
The majority of the pain goes away after 2-3 days without exercise After reading on the internet it seems like its either a problem with levator scapulae or a herniated disc. How can I know the difference? Which one is more probable?

[Fresch]

Originally Posted by karoloydi

It usually happens on shoulder day. I think it initially happened when I was doing shrugs or military presses. I have this pain that starts on the left side on the top back of my neck and ends close to the back of my shoulder.
It seems to follow the path that the Levator Scapulae muscle is taking.
Its already been about 6 weeks since it first happened. It seemed like it went away, but two days ago I did my shoulder workout and it came back again.
Whenever the pain comes its hard for me to move my neck to the direction of the pain and it feels tight. The pain is similar with when you pinch a nerve when you sleep in the wrong position. But not as painful and I have more range of motion.
The majority of the pain goes away after 2-3 days without exercise After reading on the internet it seems like its either a problem with levator scapulae or a herniated disc. How can I know the difference? Which one is more probable?

Sounds like an acute wry neck.

Try seeing a PT or a chiro and less internet diagnosis

[wrkt]

Originally Posted by karoloydi

It usually happens on shoulder day. I think it initially happened when I was doing shrugs or military presses. I have this pain that starts on the left side on the top back of my neck and ends close to the back of my shoulder.
It seems to follow the path that the Levator Scapulae muscle is taking.
Its already been about 6 weeks since it first happened. It seemed like it went away, but two days ago I did my shoulder workout and it came back again.
Whenever the pain comes its hard for me to move my neck to the direction of the pain and it feels tight. The pain is similar with when you pinch a nerve when you sleep in the wrong position. But not as painful and I have more range of motion.
The majority of the pain goes away after 2-3 days without exercise After reading on the internet it seems like its either a problem with levator scapulae or a herniated disc. How can I know the difference? Which one is more probable?

I've been having my own problems with neck/shoulder/arm pain and numbness. My physio told me it's probably a pinched nerve thing from improperly placing the bar during squats. Showed me the major nerve that runs down your neck across shoulder into arm. Combined with heavy weights during deadlifts placing extra strain on my shoulders. Advised to really work on my traps to help ease the strain on my shoulders. Don't know enough about anatomy, but also need to elevate and spread out my shoulders and the trap work will help. She used to be a competitive powerlifter so she knows her stuff. Your problem reminded me of mine. Good luck.

[Dr Clay]

I suspect you are correct in that it is a problem with your levator scap. I see this ALL THE TIME!

Assuming that is the problem, I would look for a good chiropractor who also does soft tissue work like active release. He or she should be able to fix you right up. For the record, it seems to usually take about 3 treatments to get symptom-free.

Best,