The dorsal scapular nerve supplies the rhomboids and levator scapulae, providing the medial scapular retraction force that counterbalances the serratus anterior. Its injury produces rhomboid weakness and scapular protraction — a subtle but important contributor to scapular dyskinesis. It pierces the middle scalene, making it vulnerable to scalene muscle tightness and trigger points.
| Origin | C5 root (with occasional C4 contribution) |
|---|
Dorsal scapular nerve neuropathy from middle scalene entrapment produces medial scapular border pain and rhomboid weakness. It is assessed by resisted scapular retraction and palpation of the rhomboids. Middle scalene dry needling and stretching resolves scalene entrapment of the dorsal scapular nerve.
Middle scalene entrapment of the dorsal scapular nerve producing medial scapular pain and rhomboid weakness managed with scalene dry needling and stretching.
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