Muscles
Splenius capitis
Extends and rotates the head to the same side.
Overview
Extends and rotates the head to the same side. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Posterior neck just deep to the upper trapezius, between the occiput and upper thoracic spine.
Referred pain pattern
Vertex of the head — 'pain on top of the head'.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Sustained head rotation, side-sleeping with head turned, looking up for long periods.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Chin tucks, side-bend stretches, pillow correction. Clinically: needling and contract-relax.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction