Thesplenius capitisis a deep muscle located on the upper back. Along with the splenius cervicis, it makes up the superficial layer (one of the three layers) of intrinsic back muscles. This means that it extends and rotates the head and neck, as opposed to the ribs and upper limbs.This article addresses the structure and function of the splenius capitis, as well as how this muscle may be injured and subsequently treated.SCIEPRO / Getty ImagesWhat Is the Splenius Capitis?The splenius capitis is a muscle that works with the splenius cervicis, a smaller muscle located just below it, to help you rotate your neck and lower your chin to your chest—a movement called flexing. It’s important for maintaining good posture because it helps keep the head in a neutral position.Starting at the midline of the spine at C3 to T3, the splenius capitis spans the levels between your 7th cervical vertebra to your 3rd or 4th (it varies) thoracic vertebrae. This muscle inserts at thenuchalligament, a very strong ligament of the neck. The splenius capitis muscle then angles up and out to attach to your skull.Both the splenius capitis and thesplenius cerviciscover the vertically orientedparaspinals, which are deeper and comprise the intermediate layer of the intrinsic back muscles. The splenius muscles appear as if they bandage theparaspinalsand the vertically oriented muscles that make up the deepest intrinsic layer. The splenius muscles serve to hold these deeper layers in position.These muscles start at the center of thespineand together, they form a “V” shape. The sides of the “V” are very thick and the central indentation is quite shallow.Splenius Capitis PainIt’s common for people to have pain associated with the splenius capitis. This type of pain is called splenius capitis syndrome.SymptomsA headache stemming from injury to the splenius capitis often mimics amigraineheadache. Symptoms of splenius capitis syndrome include:Pain at the back of the headHeadache at the templesPressure or pain behind the eyePain above or under the eyeSensitivity to lightNeck or arm painCausesInjury to the splenius capitis can result from:Poor posture for prolonged periods of timeA vehicle accidentA sports injuryFallingFalling asleep in an awkward positionRepeatedly flexing or rotating your neckTreatmentIt’s best to contact a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms that concern you or interfere with your daily activities or quality of life. While in the office, a healthcare provider will likely review your medical history, ask you questions relevant to the injury, and give you a physical exam that will involve pressing on muscles in the neck.Strategies to improve splenius capitis-related pain may involve one treatment or a combination of treatments. Options include:Applying ice and heat to the areaOral pain relieversPhysical therapyMassageAcupunctureIn-office anesthesia injectionsMinimally-invasive surgeryNeck stretchesto relieve tightnessSummaryThe splenius capitas is a muscle located at the back of the neck that attaches to the skull. Along with another muscle, the splenius capitas, it helps you rotate and flex your neck. Damage to the splenius capitas can result from poor posture or an injury, such as from a vehicle accident, and can cause facial pain and headaches. A variety of treatment options are available, from neck stretches to in-office procedures.
Thesplenius capitisis a deep muscle located on the upper back. Along with the splenius cervicis, it makes up the superficial layer (one of the three layers) of intrinsic back muscles. This means that it extends and rotates the head and neck, as opposed to the ribs and upper limbs.
This article addresses the structure and function of the splenius capitis, as well as how this muscle may be injured and subsequently treated.
SCIEPRO / Getty Images
What Is the Splenius Capitis?
The splenius capitis is a muscle that works with the splenius cervicis, a smaller muscle located just below it, to help you rotate your neck and lower your chin to your chest—a movement called flexing. It’s important for maintaining good posture because it helps keep the head in a neutral position.
Starting at the midline of the spine at C3 to T3, the splenius capitis spans the levels between your 7th cervical vertebra to your 3rd or 4th (it varies) thoracic vertebrae. This muscle inserts at thenuchalligament, a very strong ligament of the neck. The splenius capitis muscle then angles up and out to attach to your skull.
Both the splenius capitis and thesplenius cerviciscover the vertically orientedparaspinals, which are deeper and comprise the intermediate layer of the intrinsic back muscles. The splenius muscles appear as if they bandage theparaspinalsand the vertically oriented muscles that make up the deepest intrinsic layer. The splenius muscles serve to hold these deeper layers in position.
These muscles start at the center of thespineand together, they form a “V” shape. The sides of the “V” are very thick and the central indentation is quite shallow.
Splenius Capitis Pain
It’s common for people to have pain associated with the splenius capitis. This type of pain is called splenius capitis syndrome.
Symptoms
A headache stemming from injury to the splenius capitis often mimics amigraineheadache. Symptoms of splenius capitis syndrome include:
Causes
Injury to the splenius capitis can result from:
Treatment
It’s best to contact a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms that concern you or interfere with your daily activities or quality of life. While in the office, a healthcare provider will likely review your medical history, ask you questions relevant to the injury, and give you a physical exam that will involve pressing on muscles in the neck.
Strategies to improve splenius capitis-related pain may involve one treatment or a combination of treatments. Options include:
Summary
The splenius capitas is a muscle located at the back of the neck that attaches to the skull. Along with another muscle, the splenius capitas, it helps you rotate and flex your neck. Damage to the splenius capitas can result from poor posture or an injury, such as from a vehicle accident, and can cause facial pain and headaches. A variety of treatment options are available, from neck stretches to in-office procedures.
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Practical Pain Management.Splenius Capitis Muscle Syndrome.Additional ReadingSourcesMoore, K., Dalley, A. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Fifth. Edition. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. 2006. Baltimore. Philadelphia, PA
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Practical Pain Management.Splenius Capitis Muscle Syndrome.Additional ReadingSourcesMoore, K., Dalley, A. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Fifth. Edition. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. 2006. Baltimore. Philadelphia, PA
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Practical Pain Management.Splenius Capitis Muscle Syndrome.
SourcesMoore, K., Dalley, A. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Fifth. Edition. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. 2006. Baltimore. Philadelphia, PA
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