Which muscles are listed as overactive head/neck muscles?

• A. Upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae
• B. Medial gastrocnemius, anterior tibialis, posterior tibialis
• C. Latissimus dorsi, pectorals major/minor
• D. Biceps femoris (short head), tensor fascia latae (TFL)

Answer: (A)

When the head sits forward or the neck is held in a semi-extended position, certain muscles in the neck and around the shoulders tend to become overactive. The upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and levator scapulae are classic examples: the upper trapezius elevates the shoulders and helps extend the neck, the sternocleidomastoid moves and stabilizes the head in forward head posture, and the levator scapulae tightens as it runs along the neck and helps lift the scapula. This combination is a common pattern seen in head/neck postural issues and explains why these muscles are labeled overactive.

The other groups listed don’t fit this head/neck pattern. They involve lower-leg muscles or other upper-body muscles that aren’t primarily active in neck/head posture, so they aren’t the typical overactive head/neck muscles.