Stretching for Pain Relief and Rehabilitation - Splenius Cervicis
Splenius Cervicis - Common Trigger Point Sites
Trigger points in Splenius Cervicis commonly refer pain to the head, but may also be associated with neck pain/stiffness and referred pain to the shoulders/upper back.
The cervical muscles, including splenius cervicis, are important to core musculature and full-body movement .
A short splenius cervicis can cause the displacement of the cervical or thoracic vertebrae, with a knock-on affect to the splenii muscles, semispinalis, multifidus, and rotatores, and thereby the positioning of the thoracic ribs.
These changes then result in postural adaptations up and down the kinetic chain.
Trigger Points - Common Symptoms
Pain is referred down onto the superior angle of the scapula and anteriorly out to the acromion process.
Myofascial trigger points in this muscle contribute to tension-type headaches, with pain felt over the temporal and occipital bones.
Trigger Points - Common Causes
- Poor ergonomics when seated at a computer workstation
- Poor sleeping positions with the head/neck not well supported
- Whiplash following an auto accident
- Lifting or pulling an excessive weight (especially at the gym)
- A badly fitted walking stick or cane
Stretching
It is no secret that with each passing year, the muscles and joints seem to become stiffer and tighter.
This is part of the aging process and is caused by a combination of physical degeneration and inactivity.
Although we cannot help getting older, this should not mean that we give up trying to improve our flexibility, and this is particularly important when it comes the muscles of the neck, back and shoulders.
Here's a really simple stretch that just about anyone can do, and one that's especially recommended for people who sit for long periods (office workers, drivers).
Take it slowly and make sure to seek advice from a suitably qualified healthcare professional if you have any pain or if you have any concerns about starting a stretching program.
Splenius Cervicis - Stretching especially beneficial for deskworkers
Technique
• Stand or sit upright
• Keep your head up facing straight ahead
• Push your head forward by sticking out your chin
Note: Keep your head up during this stretch. Do not let your chin fall towards the ground.
Primary Muscles
Semispinalis cervicis. Spinalis cervicis. Longissimus cervicis. Splenius cervicis.Secondary Muscles
Injury Where Stretch May be Useful
Neck muscle strain. Whiplash (neck sprain). Cervical nerve stretch syndrome. Wry neck (acute torticollis).
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This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.
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