Understanding the levator scapulae is helpful for both preventing and treating levator scapulae pain. Its tendon origin is on the transverse process of the first four cervical vertebrae. What are the symptoms of levator scapulae syndrome? Levator Scapulae Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. It passes downward and lateral to insert on the vertebral border of the scapula above the scapula spine. Introduction. A common complaint often seen in practice is pain, discomfort, and/or tightness in the levator scapula muscle. Levator Scapula Syndrome By Joseph D. Kurnik, DC. Levator Scapulae Syndrome is an historical name for “pain over the upper medial angle of the scapula” Levator scapulae pain is one of the most common general muscle complaints. Levator scapulae syndrome is usually caused by poor posture of the shoulders. For example, sitting at a computer hunched over with your shoulders rounded. This posture stretches the levator scapulae muscle and, if performed over a long period of time, it can cause inflammation and pain within the muscle.