#RHOMBOID_MAJOR & #MINOR_MUSCLES ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●⠀ [ANATOMY, FUNCTION AND PATHOLOGY] ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●⠀ The rhomboids attach from the spinous processes (SPs) of C7-T5 to the medial border of the scapula, from the root of the spine of the scapula down to the inferior angle. Rhomboid Minor: SPs of C7 & T1 to the root of the spine of the scapula. Rhomboid Major: SPs of T2-T5 to the medial border, just below the root of the spine down to the inferior angle. ⠀ The rhomboids retract the scapula but also slightly elevate the scapula. In addition, the rhomboids rotate the scapula inferiorly, or downwards, such that the glenoid cavity will point more towards the ground when the rhomboids contract. It is these actions, retraction and downward rotation of the scapula that make the rhomboids clinically important. ⠀ Rhomboid pain is felt under the neck between the shoulder blades and spine . It’s sometimes referred to as shoulder blade pain or upper back pain. You may feel pain in this area as a strain, a shooting pain, or some type of spasm. ⠀ Other symptoms of rhomboid muscle pain may include: ▪️tenderness in the upper back area ▪️a popping or grinding noise when you move the shoulder blade ▪️tightness, swelling, and muscle knots around the muscle ▪️loss of movement or difficulty/pain when moving the muscle ▪️pain when breathing Rhomboid muscle pain can also cause pain in the mid-upper back, at the backs of the shoulders, or between the spine and the shoulder blade. It can also be felt in the region above the shoulder blade. Overuse of these muscles can lead to pain in the shoulders and arms as. ⠀ You may develop rhomboid muscle pain as a result of: ▪️poor or incorrect posture ▪️sitting for extended periods ▪️injuries from straining, overstretching, or tearing the muscles ▪️sleeping on your side Sports such as tennis, golf, and rowing can cause pain in this area. Activities and work that require you to extend your arms over the head for a long time, carrying heavy bags and backpacks, and lifting heavy objects can also cause this type of pain.