Introduction
The scapula complex is an extremely multifaceted part of human anatomy; it is usually considered as the center of the upper body. As a result of its complexity and intricacies, this region of the body is subject to a chain of dysfunction from overuse and injury. The shoulder complex, elbow complex and cervical spine can be straightforwardly affected by scapula dysfunction. Pain at the scapular can be induced by various processes, such as inflammation, cartilage degeneration, crystal deposition, infection, and trauma.
How dysfunction of the scapula complex can result in overuse injuries of the cervical spine, shoulder or elbow complex.
Overuse injuries arise from recurrent activity such as throwing, lifting, swimming and manual labor of repetitive nature stresses joints and other tissues and may lead to irritation and inflammation. Examples of overuse injuries include bursitis, tendonitis and muscle strains. Adhesive capsilitis also known as frozen joint includes stiffness and reduced movement of the shoulder and may follow an overuse injury (Robert , 2011).
The cervical spine may be destabilized owing to scapula complex dysfunction caused by both injury and overuse. An example of an overuse injury to the cervical spine is the head-forward position that recurrently follows office posture’ or a ‘sway back’. In this instance, the cervical spine happen to be weakened since the muscles of the scapula complex, including the levator scapulae, the upper and middle trapezius and rhomboid minor are not associated in their neutral location. while the cervical spine is extended, for instance straining in front of a computer screen, the upper trapezius and levator scaupla muscles are stiffened. When one is prolonged in this position for hours at a time, and day after day, the length-tension relationship of these muscles becomes altered (Joel, 2005). The new normal for an individual experiencing this dysfunction is the head-forward posture, even when away from the computer screen. The body simply feels more comfortable in this position because the body has changed the force-couple associations of the muscles for the changed posture to become the new efficient posture. An accurate and neutral alignment now feels harder to sustain (Joel, 2005).
Some patterns of dyskinesis related to labral tears in the throwing shoulder are linked to inflexibility of the pectoralis major and minor, and weakness of the lower trapezius and serratus anterior. Upon examining an athlete, dyskinesis may reveal as the inferomedial scapular border that is abnormally prominent at rest. Other signs include lack of acromial elevation and lack of full retraction in the throwing motion.. Any scapular dyskinesis, or changes of typical position or movement, directly distress the glenohumeral joint and overall shoulder positioning. Dyskinesis can be caused by inflexibility, weakness, or muscle imbalance (Steven, 2005) Some patterns of dyskinesis related to labral tears in the throwing shoulder are linked to inflexibility of the pectoralis major and minor, and flaw of the lower trapezius and serratus anterior.
Conclusion
In case a dysfunction arise, it is unlikely in a actual world situation to cause both sides of the body uniformly. The body operates as a unit and for every muscle contraction within a dysfunctional complex, there is an opposite muscle that lengthens. Just like the neck extensors is tightened resulting in lengthened neck flexors including the scalenus anterior and sternocleidomastoid. The tightening of the upper trapezius also influences muscles inferior to the neck. The middle and lower trapezius are prolonged just like the latissimus dorsi. (Steven, 2005).These bigger muscles turn into under active due to their length-tension relationship is altered and their dismissal patterns become “stale” as a result of under use or abnormal use.
Reference
Joel, L(2005) Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Principles and Practice, Volume 1. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Philadelphia
Robert . C et al (2011) Clinical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation: An Evidence-based Approach. Elsevier Health Sciences.Amsetrdam.
Steven, J.K.(2005) Principles of Manual Sports Medicine. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins .Philadelphia
