Levator scapula is one of the muscles of the neck.  The origination points are at the  first through fourth transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae.   The insertion points for the levator scapula are the superior angle and the medial edge of the scapula.  There are several  movements this muscle allows including extending the neck and head.

When we sit for hours in front of a computer or spend hours reading  the levator scapula can be held in a stretched position and might forget to come back to a shortened position.   When the muscle is kept in a lengthened position is could build up lactic acid which then causes the muscle striations to ‘stick’ together resulting in a stiff neck or ‘a knot’.

Regular massage can assist in keep the muscle from building up the lactic acid.