GENERAL INFORMATION
The posterior neck muscles, comprising primarily the upper trapezius, splenius capitis, splenius cervicis, and the suboccipital muscles, play vital roles in head and cervical spine movements. Posterior neck muscles are key stabilisers of the neck and upper back, facilitating movements such as extension, rotation, and lateral flexion of the head. Essential for maintaining posture and executing movements requiring precision, posterior neck muscles also significantly affect spinal alignment and overall mobility. Due to their positioning and function, they are often prone to tension and strain, particularly in individuals with poor posture or those who perform repetitive tasks.
ORIGIN
- Upper Trapezius: Originates from the occipital bone and the nuchal ligament.
- Splenius Capitis: Arises from the lower half of the nuchal ligament and spinous processes of C7 to T3.
- Splenius Cervicis: Begins at the spinous processes of T3 to T6.
- Suboccipital Muscles (Rectus Capitis Posterior Major, Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor, Obliquus Capitis Superior, Obliquus Capitis Inferior): Originate from the spinous processes of C2 (axis) and the transverse processes of C1 (atlas).
INSERTION POINT
- Upper Trapezius: Inserts into the lateral third of the clavicle and the acromion process.
- Splenius Capitis: Attaches to the mastoid process and the lateral third of the superior nuchal line.
- Splenius Cervicis: Inserts into the transverse processes of C1 to C4.
- Suboccipital Muscles: Insert mainly between the occipital bone and the atlas and axis.
MAJOR ARTERIES
Posterior neck muscles are vascularised predominantly by the occipital artery and, additionally, the deep cervical artery, thereby ensuring a sufficient blood supply for nutrition and function.
NEURAL INNERVATION
- Upper Trapezius: Innervated by the accessory nerve (CN XI) and cervical spinal nerves.
- Splenius Muscles: Innervated by the dorsal rami of the cervical spinal nerves.
- Suboccipital Muscles: Primarily innervated by the suboccipital nerve (dorsal ramus of C1).
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points in posterior neck muscles can lead to chronic pain, headaches, and reduced mobility, affecting overall quality of life.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
- Posterior neck muscles facilitate head extension, aid in head rotation to the same side, and assist in lateral flexion.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
- Control the forward and rotational movements of the head and neck, moderating motion to prevent injury.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
- Provide necessary stability to the head and cervical spine during static postures or dynamic activities.
RELATED MUSCLE-SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Rectus Capitis Posterior Major
- Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
- Levator Scapulae
- Semispinalis Capitis
ANTAGONIST
- Sternocleidomastoid
- Longus Colli
- Scalene Muscles
COMMON INJURIES
- Muscle Strain: Frequent in posterior neck muscles from overuse or improper posture, leading to persistent pain and dysfunction.
- Tension Headaches: These are typically caused by tightness in the posterior neck muscles and are often both debilitating and recurrent.
EXERCISES
- Neck Retractions: Pull the head straight back, aligning it with the spine to strengthen the posterior muscles.
- Prone Cobra: Lie face down and lift the chest off the ground while squeezing the shoulder blades together.
- Dumbbell Shrugs: Lift the shoulders towards the ears with weights to strengthen the trapezius.
- Reverse Flys: With bent elbows, slowly lift your arms to the side in order to strengthen the upper back and posterior neck effectively.
- Wall Push-Ups: To begin, face a wall and place your hands on it at shoulder height. Then, perform push-ups in this position to effectively engage the upper back.
STRETCHES
- Neck Lateral Flexion Stretch: Tilt the head to each side, holding each stretch to reduce tightness in the neck.
- Chin To Chest Stretch: Gently bring the chin towards the chest to stretch the posterior neck.
- Upper Back And Neck Stretch: Interlace fingers and push hands away from the back while rounding the shoulders.
- Yoga Poses For Neck Release: Practice poses like “Child’s Pose” and “Cat-Cow” to relax and stretch the neck and upper back.
- Foam Rolling: Use a foam roller on the upper back to release tension in the trapezius and surrounding areas.