Identification

• The minor rhomboid tendons attach to the C-7 and T-1 vertebrae in the neck (cervical) and upper back (thoracic) regions, and the major rhomboid tendons are attached to the T-2 and T-5 vertebrae, according to Health-exercise-and-fitness.com. It is often difficult to distinguish between neck, shoulder and rhomboid tendonitis because rhomboid muscles lie across the trapezius muscle and beneath the erectus spinae muscles in the upper back.
  
  

Significance

• Tendons in the minor and major rhombus are heavily involved in the movement of the shoulder blades and shoulders. Because the shoulder blades are involved in nearly every movement, certain repetitive stress injuries can induce rhomboid tendonitis in the neck or upper back area.
  
  

Effects

• Like rhomboid muscle strains, rhomboid tendonitis usually occurs along three key trigger points. Pain and discomfort will usually occur from the edge of the shoulder to the spine.
  
  

Types of Treatment

• Like any type of tendonitis or even muscle strain, a person who has rhomboid tendonitis should stop all physical activity for a few days and rest. This will help prevent further aggravation of the pain. Moreover, ice and anti-inflammatory medication can be used to treat inflammation.
  
  

Considerations

• Once the initial pain and swelling have been reduced, certain stretching exercises can help relieve stress in rhomboid muscle tendons and increase blood flow for healing.