1. Its name tells you what it does! "Levator" means to lift, and "scapulae" refers to your shoulder blade. It's literally your shoulder blade elevator!

2. It connects your neck to your shoulder blade! The levator scapulae runs from the upper four cervical vertebrae (C1–C4) to the upper inner corner of your scapula.

3. It's more than a shoulder shrugger! Besides elevating your shoulder blade, it also helps rotate the scapula downward.

4. It can help move your neck! When your shoulder blade is stabilized, the levator scapulae can assist with side bending and extending your neck.

5. It's a common source of neck tension! This muscle can contribute to that familiar ache between your neck and the upper corner of your shoulder blade, especially after prolonged static postures.