Literally A Pain in the Neck

Hi, i have taken a break from my muscle posts lately, because, honestly, i just wasn't feeling them. I was annoyed by it and decided to work on other things for a while. Needless to say i have come around, and i'm back now!

I have a super exciting muscle to talk about today, and a muscle that lots and lots of people have problems with. This trouble muscle is called the splenius capitis.

The splenius capitis is a broad muscle located at the back of the neck. It attaches at the base of the skull and runs down to C-7 or that hump at the base of your neck down to the first couple thoracic vertebrae. When one of these muscles work it makes the head turn and bend towards one side, and when they both fire, it brings the head upright.

In my practice i see the splenius capitis overworking a lot for the front neck muscles! In a good majority of whiplash cases this is the case! Poor Splenius capitis is carrying your noggin around, maybe we shouldn't punish it, but find the muscle that isn't working as well and strengthen them!

Dysfunction in the splenius capitis muscle can cause lots of havoc with the neck and shoulders, but also cause headaches and sometimes pain into the face. If your neck has been bothering you, get assessed and a massage! You're body will thank you!