Other Symptoms

Other Symptoms Guide

Ankle:

immobilization from cast or wrapping: peroneal muscles

Morton’s foot structure: peroneal muscles

numbness: peroneus longus

weakness, often with frequent sprains: peroneal muscles

unstable: peroneal muscles

Arm:

goose bumps (sometimes also on thighs): trapezius (point 7)

held out in front for long periods: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, trapezius,

teres minor, pectoralis major, rhomboid muscles

oppressive ache or tightness on the outside of the upper arm near elbow:

brachialis

reaching back continually: infraspinatus, teres minor

reaching overhead and forward: teres major

Arthritis:

ankle: peroneal muscles

back: deep spinal muscles, quadratus lumborum

big toe: tibialis anterior

fingers: flexor digitorum, interossei

hip: piriformis, gluteus minimus, gluteus maximus, adductor group

jaw: lateral pterygoid

knee: hamstrings

knuckles of hand: extensor digitorum, interossei

neck: semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis, longissimus capitis, multifidi,

rotatores, supraspinatus

sacroiliac: piriformis, tensor fasciae latae

shoulder: scalene muscles, pectoralis major, supraspinatus, infraspinatus,

teres minor, subscapularis, deltoid, triceps brachii

sternoclavicular joint: sternocleidomastoid

temporomandibular joint: lateral pterygoid

Back:

doubled over in pain: quadratus lumborum

low back pain: hamstrings, quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas

lying on back causes low back or hip pain: gluteus medius

movement restricted on twisting or bending: serratus posterior inferior

rising from chair difficult: quadratus lumborum

spasm: usually one trigger point in superficial spinal muscles

stabbing pain on movement, coughing or sneezing: quadratus lumborum

stiff back: deep spinal muscles, quadratus lumborum, gluteus

minimus, serratus posterior inferior

turning over in bed difficult: quadratus lumborum

wearing low-back support too much: quadratus lumborum

Balance problems: sternocleidomastoid (clavicular)

Bra straps or suspenders: upper trapezius

Bra tight around chest: latissimus dorsi

Bed sagging: quadratus lumborum, serratus posterior inferior

Bladder pain or dysfunction (including urinary frequency): adductor magnus,

internal oblique

Breasts, heavy: trapezius

Breathing problems:

asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, smoker’s cough: serratus

posterior superior, sternocleidomastoid

hyperventilation: scalene muscles, serratus anterior, serratus posterior

superior, diaphragm, intercostals

paradoxical: sternocleidomastoid

mouth breathing: digastric, temporalis

restriction, in association with round-shouldered posture: pectoralis major,

serratus anterior, diaphragm, intercostal muscles

shallow rather than abdominal: serratus anterior, scalene muscles,

sternocleidomastoid, diaphragm, intercostals, abdominals

Burning mouth: digastric (anterior)

Buttocks:

any pain or other symptoms: piriformis almost always involved

gluteal muscle atrophy: piriformis

persistent pain, aggravated by sitting or standing, not relieved by lying down:

piriformis

stiff (hard to get out of chair): piriformis, gluteus maximus, gluteus minimus

Carrying baby or child:

in arms: brachialis, coracobrachialis

on hip: gluteus medius, deep spinal muscles, quadratus lumborum, serratus

posterior inferior, superficial spinal muscles, latissimus dorsi

Carrying heavy load: sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, levator scapulae, scalene

muscles, pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, flexor digiti

minimi brevis

Carrying purse or other heavy strapped object:

on one shoulder: trapezius, levator scapulae, scalene muscles

on forearm: brachialis

Cheeks, prickling sensation, also on chin, throat and upper chest: platysma, scalene

muscles

Clenching or grinding teeth: masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid, lateral

pterygoid

Cold-induced muscle stiffness or pain:

in neck: splenius cervicis, splenius capitis, levator scapulae, suboccipital

muscles, scalene muscles

in hip and leg: gluteus minimus

in calf: soleus

Collar, tight: sternocleidomastoid

Computer use:

arm or hand pain: brachialis, serratus anterior, extensor carpi radialis longus,

extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor

digitorum, extensor indicis

arms held out in front for long periods: trapezius, pectoralis major,

rhomboid muscles, supraspinatus, deltoid, brachialis

burning pain in mid-back: trapezius (point 3, 4)

eyeglasses causing head to tilt forward and down: scalene muscles

grasping and clicking mouse: interossei of the hand

head forward: sternocleidomastoid, scalene muscles, longus colli, trapezius,

splenius cervicis

head twisted to look to one side: sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae

no arm support: trapezius, levator scapulae, brachialis

mid-back pain due to twisting torso while typing: deep spinal muscles

Cough:

chronic: sternocleidomastoid

dry, hacking: sternocleidomastoid (sternal attachment point), sternalis

dry, tickling, persistent: sternocleidomastoid (sternal attachment point)

stabbing pain: quadratus lumborum

strenuous: serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi, diaphragm, intercostals

Cramping: (other causes include dehydration, electrolyte deficiency, drug side effects, poor circulation as with diabetes, and shortened muscle positioning)

abdominal: rectus abdominis (middle section)

calf: gastrocnemius, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus

foot, dorsal: interossei, extensor digitorum longus, extensor digitorum brevis

foot, plantar: abductor hallucis, flexor hallucis brevis

low back: iliopsoas

lower leg, front: extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus

menstrual: lower abdominals, intrapelvic muscles, adductor magnus

thigh, posterior: hamstrings

toes: flexor digitorum brevis

Crossed legs can cause trouble in: gluteus medius, tensor fasciae latae, adductor

group, pectineus, popliteus, peroneus longus, peroneus brevis

Crossing legs difficult: gluteus minimus, piriformis

Dental procedures (mouth held open a long time): masseter, temporalis

Depression: quadratus lumborum

Digestion dysfunction or pain, including vomiting, nausea, indigestion, fullness, and

heartburn or acid reflux: rectus abdominis, external oblique

Dizziness, disorientation: sternocleidomastoid (clavicular), trapezius (point 1)

Dropping things unexpectedly: scalene muscles, forearm extensors

Ears:

crackling sound inside ear: sternocleidomastoid (sternal)

earache: masseter, sternocleidomastoid (clavicular), digastric

hearing loss without tinnitus: sternocleidomastoid (sternal)

imbalance: sternocleidomastoid (clavicular)

stuffiness: medial pterygoid

tinnitus: masseter (deep)

Elbow, difficulty straightening (especially accompanied by pain at base of thumb):

brachialis

Elbow hypersensitive to touch: triceps brachii

Emotional stress: trapezius, levator scapulae, frontalis, suboccipital muscles,

scalene muscles, serratus anterior, diaphragm, intercostals, abdominals,

quadratus lumborum see stress under medical

Eyelid twitching: orbicularis oculi

Eyes:

blurred vision: splenius cervicis

excessive tearing: sternocleidomastoid (sternal)

“jumpy print” on page: orbicularis oculi

narrow opening between eyelids (usually only one eye): sternocleidomastoid

(sternal)

poor visual acuity: occipitalis

puffiness underneath, in particular when one eye only: masseter

redness: sternocleidomastoid (sternal)

wrinkles at corners: orbicularis oculi

Facial problems:

dental appliances, ill-fitting: buccinator

frowning: platysma, orbicularis oculi, occipitofrontalis

prickling sensation over lower jaw: platysma, sternocleidomastoid, scalene

muscles

squinting: orbicularis oculi, sternocleidomastoid (sternal)

upturned mouth: zygomaticus major

Fainting: sternocleidomastoid (clavicular)

Falling, prone to falling due to buckling knee: vastus medialis, vastus lateralis

Fatigue: quadratus lumborum

Fingers:

awkwardness: extensor digitorum, interossei

numbness, fourth and fifth fingers: teres minor, pectoralis minor, interossei

numbness, other fingers: interossei

numbness, thumb: scalenus minimus

stiff fingers: extensors carpi radialis longus and brevis, extensor digitorum,

extensor carpi ulnaris

thumb tenderness: brachialis

trigger finger: hand and finger flexors, tendon sheath of flexor digitorum (on

palm side where finger joins hand)

uncontrolled twitching: flexor digitorum

Foot:

aching and sore feet, even at rest: flexor hallucis brevis, flexor digitorum

brevis, abductor hallucis, abductor digiti minimi

bunions: peroneal muscles, flexor hallucis longus, see Morton’s foot structure

burning sensation in feet and legs: quadratus lumborum

calluses on feet and toes: see Morton’s foot structure

chilled, especially wet and cold: quadratus plantae, flexor hallucis brevis,

adductor hallucis, flexor digiti minimi brevis, interossei

cramps: extensor digitorum brevis

difficulty lifting all five toes: extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis

longus

fallen arch: tibialis posterior

flat feet: peroneus longus, tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, flexor

hallucis longus

foot drop: tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, extensor digitorum longus

hammertoe or claw toe: lumbricals, extensor digitorum longus, extensor

digitorum brevis, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus

heel aching at night: soleus

heel too painful to put weight on it: soleus

numbness: piriformis, peroneus longus

numbness in a triangular area on dorsum between big and second toes:

peroneus longus

orthotic inserts cause pain: tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, peroneus

longus, abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, abductor digiti

minimi, quadratus plantae, flexor digitorum brevis, lumbricals,

adductor hallucis, flexor hallucis brevis, interossei

sore feet: flexor hallucis brevis, flexor digitorum brevis, abductor hallucis,

abductor digiti minimi, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus

restricted dorsiflexion, leading to poor lifting posture: soleus

soreness, sharp pains under heads of metatarsals: flexor digitorum brevis

swollen feeling, numbness in end of foot: flexor digiti minimi brevis,

flexor hallucis brevis, adductor hallucis

weakness of the foot during walking, often with foot slap: extensor digitorum

longus, extensor hallucis longus

weight bearing causes pain: flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus

Forearm:

dorsal (extensor) side burning, tightness, aching: extensor carpi radialis

brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus, brachioradialis, supinator

oppressive achiness in back of forearm, sometimes also in back of upper arm:

triceps brachii, extensors of the forearm

Forehead perpetually wrinkled: occipitofrontalis

Fourth and fifth fingers curled, won’t straighten: palmaris longus

Goose bumps on upper arm and sometimes thighs: trapezius (point 7)

Grasping for long time: flexor digitorum, interossei

“Growing pains:”

in lower legs and knees: vastus lateralis, other quadriceps femoris

in hips and thighs: adductors, hamstrings

Gum pain, upper gum: buccinator

Hand:

dropping things: scalenus anterior, scalenus medius

edema, dorsum of hand and four fingers, in morning: scalenus anterior

knuckle tenderness: extensors carpi radialis longus and brevis, extensor

digitorum, extensor carpi ulnaris

numbness, hand and fingers: scalene muscles, serratus posterior superior,

teres minor, pectoralis minor, triceps, coracobrachialis, brachialis,

supinator, extensor carpi radialis brevis, flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor

digitorum, pronator teres

numbness, little finger side of hand: serratus posterior superior

numbness with tingling, uncoordinated movement: extensor carpi radialis

brevis, flexor carpi ulnaris, pronator teres, pronator quadratus

pincer grip feels awkward: opponens pollicis

repetitive twisting or gripping: extensor indicis, flexor digitorum of the hand,

interossei

stiff fingers: scalenus anterior, extensors carpi radialis longus and brevis,

extensor digitorum, extensor carpi ulnaris

weakness: brachioradialis, extensors carpi radialis longus and brevis,

extensor digitorum, extensor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi ulnaris

Head:

numbness or pressure sensation in back: splenius cervicis

headache when pressed in back (while lying face-up): suboccipital muscles

prolonged stationary position: suboccipital muscles

tilted to one side: sternocleidomastoid on same side, trapezius

tilted to one side and rotated to the opposite side: suboccipital muscles

turned to one side: sternocleidomastoid on opposite side

unable to rotate to one side (to look behind): opposite-side suboccipital

muscles and semispinalis capitis, same-side levator scapulae and

splenius cervicis

Headache:

behind the ear: sternocleidomastoid (sternal)

behind the eye: occipitalis, temporalis, splenius cervicis

cervicogenic: masseter, trapezius (points 1, 2), temporalis, suboccipital

muscles

deep, diffuse pain on one side, from occiput to forehead: suboccipital

muscles, semispinalis capitis

eyebrow area: temporalis, masseter, sternocleidomastoid (sternal),

orbicularis oculi

frontal: sternocleidomastoid (clavicular), semispinalis capitis, frontalis,

zygomaticus major

front and sides: temporalis, masseter, sternocleidomastoid

forehead: sternocleidomastoid, masseter, zygomaticus major, frontalis

hangover: sternocleidomastoid

migraine, inside head from back to front: suboccipital muscles,

semispinalis capitis, trapezius

pressure in back of head (lying face-up) causes headache: suboccipital

muscles

side, toward the back: occipitalis

spinal tap headache: sternocleidomastoid

stabbing pain, “straight through the head:” splenius cervicis

temple: trapezius (point 1), sternocleidomastoid (sternal), temporalis,

splenius cervicis, suboccipitals, semispinalis capitis

tension: trapezius (point 1), sternocleidomastoid (sternal), suboccipital

muscles, temporalis, masseter, orbicularis oculi, buccinator,

zygomaticus major, occipitofrontalis

top of head: splenius capitis, sternocleidomastoid (sternal)

vascular: sternocleidomastoid

Hearing loss: sternocleidomastoid (clavicular)

High heels, wearing: quadriceps femoris, peroneus longus, peroneus brevis,

gastrocnemius, soleus

Hip:

ache, deep, between ischial tuberosity and greater trochanter: tensor fasciae

latae

buckling: rectus femoris and vastus intermedius

heavy sensation in hips: quadratus lumborum

replacement surgery, pain after: pectineus

stiffness: gluteus maximus

sudden twist: adductor group (possibly no pain at rest)

Hoarseness: suprahyoid group, infrahyoid group, longus colli, longus capitis

Impotence in men: piriformis

Indigestion, fullness, heartburn or acid reflux: rectus abdominis, external oblique

Insomnia: scalene muscles

Intercourse painful in women: piriformis, adductor group, pectineus

Intestinal gas, bloating, swelling, or burning: rectus abdominis (lateral border

beside umbilicus), possibly other abdominal muscles, deep spinal muscles

Irritability: scalene muscles

Jaw:

clicking: lateral pterygoid

pain after whiplash: suprahyoid, infrahyoid, masseter, temporalis

restricted opening: masseter, medial pterygoid, lateral pterygoid

Knee:

back of knee pain when crouching, running or walking: popliteus

buckling: vastus medialis; or: vastus intermedius with gastrocnemius; or:

popliteus

“diseased:” sartorius

hard to straighten: gastrocnemius, popliteus, vastus intermedius

locked: vastus lateralis, vastus medialis

restricted and painful range of motion with foot dorsiflexed: gastrocnemius

stiff and weak: rectus femoris, vastus intermedius

stuck patella: vastus lateralis

“trick knee:” vastus medialis, popliteus

twisting injury: popliteus

Lack of energy: quadratus lumborum

Lifting:

arm overhead: supraspinatus, subscapularis, deltoid, latissimus

dorsi, teres major, serratus anterior, pectoralis minor, diaphragm,

intercostal muscles

heavy weight: intrapelvic, iliopsoas, deltoid

heavy weight with arms in front, palms up: coracobrachialis

arms hanging straight down: supraspinatus

sudden overload poorly coordinated: deep and superficial spinal muscles

repetitive with knees bent: gluteus maximus

Limping: see “Gait”

Low back: see Back.

Lying on side:

hip painful: gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae

leg painful: vastus lateralis, tensor fasciae latae

shoulder painful: infraspinatus

Lying supine causes low back or hip pain: gluteus medius

Menstrual cramps: lower abdominals, intrapelvic muscles, adductor magnus

Military stance causing fainting: soleus

Motion sickness: sternocleidomastoid (clavicular)

Mouth breathing: digastric, temporalis

Mouth opening restricted: masseter (superficial), temporalis, medial pterygoid

Nail biting: masseter, temporalis, lateral pterygoid

Nausea: sternocleidomastoid (clavicular)

Neck:

chilling draft on neck: splenius cervicis, splenius capitis, levator scapulae,

suboccipital muscles

chiropractic adjustments frequently needed: splenius capitis, splenius

cervicis

reduced range of motion: levator scapulae, semispinalis capitis, semispinalis

cervicis, splenius cervicis, suboccipitals

sore throat, chronic (area near pharynx): sternocleidomastoid (sternal),

medial pterygoid

stiffness: levator scapulae, posterior cervical muscles, trapezius (point 3),

sternocleidomastoid, splenius cervicis

tight collar or necktie: sternocleidomastoid

unable to tilt to one side (ear to shoulder): trapezius (point1, 2),

sternocleidomastoid, omohyoid, suboccipitals

unable to rotate (look behind): levator scapulae, splenius cervicis, posterior

cervical muscles, suboccipital muscles

Nose:

ache in “floor” of nose, toward throat: medial pterygoid

congestion in sinuses, nose, and throat: sternocleidomastoid (sternal)

runny nose: sternocleidomastoid (sternal)

slack skin in the anterior neck: platysma, anterior cervical muscles

Numbness:

back, numbness or hypersensitive skin: superficial spinal muscles

elbow and ulnar side of forearm: scalenus anterior, scalenus medius

fingers: teres minor, pectoralis minor, interossei

foot, over metatarsal heads, with sense of swelling: adductor hallucis

foot, triangular area between big and second toes: peroneus longus

forearm and hand: scalene muscles, supraspinatus, infraspinatus,

subscapularis, serratus posterior superior, serratus anterior, triceps,

coracobrachialis, brachialis, supinator, extensor carpi radialis brevis,

flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorum, pronator teres

leg and foot: piriformis, soleus, peroneus longus, extensor digitorum longus,

adductor hallucis, flexor digiti minimi brevis, flexor hallucis brevis

lower buttocks, back and lateral sides of leg: gluteus minimus

scalp numbness, tingling, burning in back (can’t bear pressure of head on

pillow): semispinalis capitis, trapezius (points 1, 2)

skull, at occiput: splenius capitis, splenius cervicis

thigh, anterior: sartorius, psoas, adductor group; posterior: piriformis,

gluteus minimus

thumb: scalenus minimus

toes: adductor hallucis, extensor digitorum longus, interossei

Out of shape, working out too hard: piriformis, rectus femoris, vastus

medialis, psoas, tensor fasciae latae, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus,

adductor group, quadriceps femoris, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, soleus

Overweight, waddling gait: gluteus minimus

Palm of hand, prickling or burning sensation, or pain on holding and using tools:

palmaris longus

Pregnancy, low back ache: iliopsoas

Prostate pain: intrapelvic muscles

Pulling something downward repeatedly: coracobrachialis

Pushing repetitively, or holding something down for a long, unrelieved period:

triceps brachii

Reaching:

across front of body (to opposite armpit) difficult: subscapularis

behind back difficult: infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis,

coracobrachialis, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior

forward and down, or sustained overhead: rhomboid muscles

overhead difficult: supraspinatus, subscapularis, deltoid, latissimus

dorsi, teres major, serratus anterior, pectoralis minor, biceps brachii,

diaphragm, intercostal muscles

overhead painful in lower back: serratus posterior inferior

up and forward, mid-back pain centered on inferior angle of scapula:

latissimus dorsi, pectoralis minor

up and to the side difficult: supraspinatus, deltoid, upper

trapezius, subscapularis

Rectal pain during defecation: left piriformis

Restless legs: rectus femoris

Restlessness in neck and shoulder (like nervous tic): scalene muscles

Rolling over in bed painful, difficult: quadratus lumborum, gluteus minimus

Scalp: numbness, tingling, burning in back (can’t bear pressure of head on pillow):

semispinalis capitis

Scissor use causing pain: flexor digitorum

Shoes:

high heels: quadriceps femoris, peroneus longus, peroneus brevis,

gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis posterior, extensor digitorum longus,

extensor hallucis longus

inflexible soles: soleus, abductor digiti minimi, abductor hallucis, flexor

digitorum brevis, extensor digitorum brevis, extensor hallucis brevis,

quadratus plantae, flexor hallucis brevis, adductor hallucis, flexor

digiti minimi brevis, interossei

pointed, tight toe box: abductor digiti minimi, abductor hallucis, flexor

digitorum brevis, extensor digitorum brevis, extensor hallucis brevis

poor lateral stability: tibialis posterior

poor arch support: tibialis posterior

short in the toes: interossei

slippery soles: soleus

stiff soles: soleus, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus

tight across the front of the foot: flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum

brevis, extensor digitorum brevis, extensor hallucis brevis, abductor

hallucis, flexor hallucis brevis, adductor hallucis, flexor digiti minimi

brevis, abductor digiti minimi

worn-out or unsupportive shoes: flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis

longus, tibialis posterior

worn soles, on surfaces that rock: tibialis posterior

Shoulder blade sticking out or “winging:” trapezius (point 3), pectoralis minor

Shoulder:

abduction, reduced range of motion: supraspinatus, deltoid, pectoralis major,

subscapularis, teres major, triceps brachii

aching: scalene muscles, infraspinatus, pectoralis major, supraspinatus,

teres minor, subscapularis, biceps, triceps brachii, deltoid, rhomboid muscles

fatigued shoulder with weakened grip in hand: infraspinatus

lifting arm to the side restricted: subscapularis

lifting arm up or overhead difficult: supraspinatus, deltoid, latissimus dorsi,

teres major, subscapularis, serratus anterior, pectoralis minor,

diaphragm, intercostal muscles

noises in joint: clicking or popping: supraspinatus; snapping or crunching: rhomboid muscles

pain at rest and in motion: subscapularis

pain from sleeping on side (either side): infraspinatus

posterior and deep pain: teres minor

reaching across front of body (to opposite armpit) difficult: subscapularis

reaching behind back difficult: infraspinatus, subscapularis, coracobrachialis,

pectoralis minor, serratus anterior

reaching up and forward difficult: teres major, latissimus dorsi

weakness, stiffness: infraspinatus

Sinus:

pain in the cheek or “sinusitis:” sternocleidomastoid, masseter

“sinus attack,” pain in cheek with excessive sinus secretion: lateral pterygoid

Sitting:

armrests too high or too low: trapezius, levator scapulae

chair, front of seat compressing thigh: hamstrings, gastrocnemius, soleus

excessively: rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques, iliopsoas,

gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, piriformis, tensor

fasciae latae, adductor group, pectineus, rectus femoris, hamstrings

knees up (higher than hips, as in bucket seats): tensor fasciae latae, sartorius,

pectineus

legs crossed causing pain in buttocks, thigh, knee: hamstrings

legs crossed: gluteus medius, tensor fasciae latae, adductor group, pectineus,

popliteus, peroneus longus, peroneus brevis

legs on ottoman or foot rest, compressing calf: gastrocnemius, soleus

head thrust forward: sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, levator scapulae,

scalene muscles, splenius cervicis, suboccipital muscles, masseter,

temporalis, medial pterygoid, lateral pterygoid, suprahyoid group,

infrahyoid group, longus colli, longus capitis

pain in buttocks, upper thigh, and back of knee: hamstrings

standing after sitting difficult or painful: gluteus minimus, gluteus medius,

longissimus thoracis, quadratus lumborum, hamstrings, vastus

intermedius

slouching: scalene muscles, sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, levator scapulae,

intrapelvic muscles

stiffness from sitting after overuse walking, running or climbing: tensor

fasciae latae

too high a seat, resulting in plantar flexion to reach floor: gastrocnemius,

soleus

twisted while working on computer: sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae

unable to cross leg over opposite knee: piriformis

uncomfortable: gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, quadratus lumborum,

piriformis, intrapelvic muscles

wallet in back pocket: gluteus minimus, gluteus maximus

Sleeping:

calf cramps, nocturnal: gastrocnemius

disturbed sleep: quadriceps femoris, adductor group, hamstrings

head and neck lower than feet (foot of bed on rug): scalene muscles

head turned to one side: trapezius, splenius cervicis, splenius capitis,

suboccipital muscles

hip pain and discomfort: piriformis, gluteus minimus

knees up, in fetal position (side lying) or supported by bolster (supine):

tensor fasciae latae, sartorius, pectineus

on back: gluteus maximus

on side: levator scapulae, infraspinatus, subscapularis, rhomboid muscles, vastus lateralis,

gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus

on stomach: sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, quadratus lumborum

rolling over in bed painful: gluteus minimus

shoulder compressed and rolled forward (sleeping on side): subscapularis

thigh pain when lying on side: vastus lateralis

toes pointed: tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, peroneus brevis,

gastrocnemius, soleus

Slipping while walking or running: soleus

Sneezing, causing stabs of pain in low back: quadratus lumborum

Socks or support hose with tight elastic top: peroneus longus, extensor digitorum

longus, gastrocnemius, soleus

Sore throat:

chronic: sternocleidomastoid (sternal), pterygoids

when talking or singing: longus colli

Spanking: piriformis, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius

Spreading legs (as for women during intercourse) causing cramping in hip:

piriformis

Squatting causing lower lateral leg pain: peroneus longus, peroneus brevis

Stairs:

ascending: quadratus lumborum, gluteus maximus, vastus intermedius,

gastrocnemius

descending: rectus femoris, gluteus maximus, soleus

painful, front of thigh: vastus intermedius

excessive stair use: tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius

Standing:

difficult, possibly painful in groin: iliopsoas, gluteus minimus, quadratus

lumborum

prolonged: gluteus medius, gluteus minimus

standing after sitting difficult or painful: quadratus lumborum, gluteus

minimus, gluteus medius, quadriceps femoris, hamstrings,

vastus intermedius, longissimus thoracis

unable to stand due to stabbing low-back pain: quadratus lumborum

Stiff neck: levator scapulae, splenius cervicis, trapezius, sternocleidomastoid

Stomach:

cramping: mid-abdominals

digestive dysfunction or pain, including vomiting, nausea, indigestion,

fullness, heartburn: rectus abdominis, external oblique

Straightening arm difficult: biceps brachii

Straightening hip difficult: tensor fasciae latae more? – quads, hams

Stress, emotional duress: masseter, trapezius, levator scapulae, suboccipital

muscles, scalene muscles, serratus anterior, diaphragm, intercostals,

abdominals, quadratus lumborum

Swallowing difficulties: sternocleidomastoid (sternal), medial pterygoid, longus

capitis, longus colli; difficulty moving food around the mouth: buccinator

Sweating, cold sweat on forehead: sternocleidomastoid (clavicular)

Swelling:

in hands and fingers, ulnar side: scalene muscles (compressing axillary vein)

sensation of, in buttocks, leg, calf, and foot: piriformis

Tailbone tenderness: deep spinal muscles, gluteus maximus, obturator internus

Teeth not meeting up right: temporalis

Teeth, hypersensitive to pressure, percussion, heat, cold: masseter, temporalis

Telephone held to ear with shoulder: sternocleidomastoid (opposite), trapezius,

levator scapulae

Thigh pain experienced in front: hamstrings, soleus, quadriceps femoris (if

necessary, correct habit of sitting with one foot tucked under buttock)

Thigh, restricted abduction (sitting tailor-style on floor, knee won’t go down):

pectineus, sartorius

Throat soreness on talking or singing: longus colli, suprahyoid group, infrahyoid

group

Thumb, last joint to lock or catch or pop when bending: flexor pollicis longus

Thumb and back of the forearm, tingling and numbness: brachialis

Thumb, pain in base: scalene muscles, brachialis, supinator, brachioradialis, flexor

carpi radialis

Thumb sucking: masseter

Tight stockings or socks: peroneus longus

Tingling or prickling sensation on cheeks, chin, throat and upper chest: platysma,

scalene muscles, sternocleidomastoid

Tinnitus: lateral pterygoid, masseter

Toe symptoms other than pain:

big toe, numbness on planter side (sole): flexor hallucis longus

big toe, tingling on dorsal side (top): interossei

hammertoes or claw toes: lumbricals, extensor digitorum longus, extensor

digitorum

brevis, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus

Toothache:

hypersensitivity to heat, cold, and touch: masseter, temporalis

lower back teeth: trapezius (point 1), masseter

lower front teeth: digastric (anterior)

upper back teeth: masseter

upper teeth and gums: temporalis, masseter

Touching toes impossible: gluteus maximus, hamstrings

Tripping, stubbing toes on ground: tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus,

extensor hallucis longus

Turning torso while standing difficult: intercostals, diaphragm, abdominal muscles

Turning over while lying down difficult, due to stiffness in the back: deep spinal

muscles, quadratus lumborum, gluteus minimus

Twisting while lifting: piriformis, quadratus lumborum

Upper arm, oppressive ache or tightness on the outside of the upper arm near

elbow: brachialis

Vision:

glare on eyeglasses or contacts: suboccipital muscles, semispinalis capitis

straining to see due to poor acuity: suboccipital muscles, semispinalis capitis

visual disturbances or blurring: splenius cervicis

Vitamin deficiencies: quadratus lumborum, tendency to have trigger points in

general

Voice tightness: masseter, mylohyoid, digastric, longus colli

Wallet in low back pocket, causing sciatic-like pain: gluteus minimus

Weight-bearing, chronic to one side (i.e. holding child on hip): gluteus medius, deep

spinal muscles, quadratus lumborum, serratus posterior inferior, superficial

spinal muscles

Wrist action, repetition: extensor carpi radialis longus, brachioradialis, supinator

Wrist and hand, burning pain: extensor carpi radialis longus, brachioradialis,

supinator

Writing:

writer’s cramp: interossei

grip feels awkward, weak, or clumsy even in absence of pain: flexor pollicis

longus, opponens pollicis

pain in underside of middle finger in last knuckle: second interossei