por He muscle splenius it is a paired muscle, long and broad. If we look at both muscles at the same time (right and left) they form a big «V» and seen as only one it extends from the outer part of the neck to the upper part of the back. Its name comes from the Latin musculus splenius.
It is divided into two areas, one internal and one external. The internal one is covered by the trapezius muscle and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It is also known as the splenius muscle. capitis or from the head Meanwhile, the outer part is called the splenius muscle. cervicis or of the neck and is narrower than the splenius of the head.
The splenius capitis originates at the level of the nuchal ligament. Because it is a long muscle, its medial point of origin continues on the spinous processes of the C7 cervical vertebra to the T3 or T4 thoracic vertebrae; to insert into the temporal bone at the level of the mastoid process. Its fibers go from the bottom up.
The muscle fibers of the splenius neck originate at the level of the processes of the thoracic vertebrae T3 to T6. These ascend to insert into the first transverse processes, from the atlas and axis (C1 and C2), to the third cervical vertebra (C3).
[toc]
Origin
The origin of the muscle will be studied according to its parts.
Splenius capitis muscle
The splenius capitis originates at the level of the nuchal ligament and on the spinous processes of vertebrae C7 through T3 or T4. Its fibers travel upward until they reach the insertion site.
splenius neck muscle
The processes of the thoracic vertebrae T3 to T6 are the site of origin of the neck portion.
Insertion
Splenius capitis muscle
The mastoid process of the temporal bone is the site where the splenius neck muscle inserts, that is, at the level of the lateral third of the superior nuchal line.
splenius neck muscle
The atlas, axis, and third cervical vertebra are the insertion sites for the splenius neck muscle.
innervation
Its main innervation comes from the posterior branch of the second cervical nerve, also called Arnold’s greater occipital nerve, although it also receives other branches from the posterior cervical nerves, specifically the third and fourth nerves.
Irrigation
The muscle is supplied by muscular branches arising from the occipital artery, which in turn comes from a branch of the external carotid artery.
functions
The function can be divided according to whether the muscle acts unilaterally (only the right or only the left) or whether they act bilaterally (both muscles at the same time). Note that in this case it is not divided into head and neck because it is actually a single muscle and its function is the same.
It collaborates unilaterally in the rotational and tilting movement of the head, towards the same side of the muscle that is in action (ipsilateral contraction). It is also possible to extend the spine to the same side.
Bilaterally the muscles contract and extend both the head and the neck backwards.
Syndromes
trigger points
The entire splenius muscle is normally very sensitive to stress, causing it to tighten and form trigger points. Trigger points can also be generated by car accidents.
The muscle during the sudden movement is over-stretched, and then exaggeratedly tensed in an attempt to protect the spine. This generates pain points.
Another frequent cause is the excessive use of the muscle in sports or occupations that require raising the head and looking up, such as climbing mountains, painting a ceiling, among others.
Likewise, the adoption of incorrect postures for a long time also influences, which imply keeping the head turned to one side, and then turning abruptly to the opposite side.
Painful contracture points can cause other symptoms, such as headache, temple pain, neck pain, and stiff neck.
Tension headache
It is a pain that surrounds the upper part of the head, its duration can vary from minutes to days, depending on the patient and the degree of muscular tension, both in the neck muscles and in the head. The pain is continuous, being the only manifested sign.
There are many factors that cause the muscles of the head and neck to contract, such as: tiredness, stress, anxiety, insomnia and depression.
Treatment: self-massage
The self-massage techniques that will be explained below must be practiced very carefully and without exaggeration, since excessive pressure in the area can cause greater discomfort and vertigo. Go little by little and you will get better results.
technique 1
Apply oil to the neck to help the fingers glide. Tilt your head forward and slightly to the opposite side of the muscle to be massaged.
Place the hand opposite the muscle you want to massage in the form of a claw, that is, leave the index, middle and ring fingers extended, while flexing the little finger and thumb. With the tips of the fingers extended, press the lower part of the neck, sliding upwards until reaching the outer part of the neck. Repeat several times until you get relief.
Using both hands, both splenial muscles can be massaged at the same time. If during it a point of greater pain is observed, it is pressed for several seconds using the ring finger.
Technique 2
Place two fingers behind your ear, while turning your head to the opposite side.
Move the fingers approximately 1 cm towards the vertebral column, until you feel that the finger falls into a slight depression, at this moment turn the head towards the opposite side, to feel the contraction of the splenium, which is achieved when reaching an angle of 45°.
Technique 3
The neck area can be massaged using an instrument designed for this, called the Trigger Fairy, it is ideal for the muscles in the area, especially the splenium. This instrument is perfect, because it prevents the fingers from tensing up when massaging, as well as making it easier to dose the pressure.
The instrument is held with both hands and passed right into the pain sites.
The massage can be performed with fixed movements (precise massages in a certain area) or during movement (pressure movement technique).
Technique 4
If you do not have the Trigger Fairy, you can use a ball to massage the affected area. To do this, place the ball next to the first vertebrae of the spine and lean against a wall, while sliding the ball over the pain points.
Related disorders
Dropped head syndrome
This syndrome is characterized by weakness or stiffness in the extensor muscles of the neck, in which the splenius muscle may be involved. The patient presents, as his name indicates, the drooping head, that is, the patient’s jaw touches the thorax.
In general, it is a syndrome that accompanies other diseases, especially neuromuscular ones, such as myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, among others.
References
Thibodeau G et al. Anatomy of the muscular system. Cap 10. In Anatomy and Physiology Structure and function of the human body. 2nd Ed. Ed Harcourt brace, Madrid Spain 1995. pp 257-276. Available at: studocu.com
Robles N. Physiotherapeutic Approach in Congenital Muscular Torticollis. Research work of Professional Sufficiency to opt for the Professional Title. Available at: Repositorio.uigv.edu.pe
Hernández E, Aragonés J. Dropped head syndrome. About a case in a geriatric patient. Spanish Rev of Geriatrics and Gerontology. 2013, 48(3):142-143. Available at: elsevier.es
«splenius muscle» Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 23 Feb 2019, 16:46 UTC. 24 Sep 2019, 23:38 en.wikipedia.org
«Occipital artery» Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.13 Nov 2016, 03:12 UTC. 25 Sep 2019, 03:58 en.wikipedia.org