Muscles that may contribute to pain on the top of the shoulder

Pain on top of the shoulder—sometimes described clinically as pain in the superior shoulder region—may be associated with several muscles and structures.

What makes trigger points particularly interesting is that the area where you feel the pain is not always where the problem originates.

4 Muscles That May Refer Pain to the top of the Shoulder.

Compare the referred-pain patterns below with the area where you feel discomfort. Select a muscle to learn more.

Scalene referred pain pattern

Scalene Muscles

Trigger points in the scalenes may refer pain to the top,back and side shoulder down to the arm.

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Supraspinatus referred pain pattern

Supraspinatus

Trigger points in the Supraspinatus may refer pain to the top and side of the shoulder.

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Trapezius referred pain pattern

Trapezius

Trigger points in the trapezius may refer pain to the top of the shoulder and upward into the neck, temples, and base of the skull, sometimes producing symptoms similar to a tension headache.

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Levator Scapula referred pain pattern

Levator Scapula

Trigger points in the Levator Scapula may refer pain at the top of the shoulder blade, the base of the neck, and along the upper border of the scapula

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