Splenius Capitis Diseases

The splenius capitis muscle is a broad, straplike muscle located at the back of the neck. It helps move and stabilize the head and neck and can be a source of neck pain, headaches, and stiffness when injured or overused Wikipedia. Understanding its anatomy, common disorders, and management options can help you identify problems early and seek the right treatment.

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Anatomy of the Splenius Capitis Muscle

Structure and Location

The splenius capitis is one of the deep (intrinsic) muscles of the neck. It lies deep to the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid, forming part of the floor of the posterior neck triangle. Its fibers run upward and outward from the spine to the skull, giving it a broad, flat shape KenhubWikipedia.

Origin and Insertion

• Origin: Lower half of the nuchal ligament and spinous processes of C7 to T3 vertebrae Wikipedia.

• Insertion: Mastoid process of the temporal bone and the rough area just below the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone Wikipedia.

Blood Supply

Receives blood from muscular branches of the occipital artery, a branch of the external carotid artery Kenhub.

Nerve Supply

Innervated by the posterior (dorsal) rami of the C3 and C4 spinal nerves Wikipedia.

Functions

1. Head extension (when both sides contract)

2. Neck extension (bilateral contraction)

3. Ipsilateral rotation of the head (turning head toward same side)

4. Ipsilateral lateral flexion (bending head toward shoulder)

5. Postural stabilization of the head and upper cervical spine

6. Assisting deep respiration by anchoring the neck during forced breathing Kenhub

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Diseases of the Splenius Capitis Muscle

The splenius capitis can be involved in a range of traumatic, inflammatory, overuse, neuropathic, and neoplastic conditions. Common disorders include:

• Muscle strain (pulled muscle)

• Myofascial pain syndrome

• Myofascial trigger points

• Splenius capitis muscle syndrome

• Cervicogenic headache

• Tension-type headache

• Whiplash-associated disorder

• Muscle spasm

• Myositis (e.g., polymyositis)

• Myositis ossificans

• Fibromyalgia involvement

• Infectious pyomyositis (muscle abscess)

• Rhabdomyosarcoma (rare muscle tumor)

• Muscle atrophy (from disuse or nerve injury)

• Muscle hypertrophy (from chronic overload)

• Denervation injuries (from nerve root compression)

• Systemic inflammatory myopathies

• Neoplastic infiltration

• Postural strain syndromes

• Degenerative changes

Many of these conditions share overlapping symptoms, such as neck pain and stiffness, but differ in underlying causes and treatments Mayo ClinicNCBI.

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Types of Splenius Capitis Disorders

1. Traumatic: Acute strains, tears, contusions

2. Overuse: Repetitive stress injuries, postural strain

3. Myofascial: Trigger points, chronic pain syndromes

4. Inflammatory: Myositis (polymyositis, dermatomyositis)

5. Infectious: Pyomyositis (muscle abscess)

6. Neuropathic: Denervation, nerve entrapment

7. Neoplastic: Benign tumors (lipoma, hemangioma), malignant (rhabdomyosarcoma)

8. Systemic: Fibromyalgia, systemic autoimmune conditions

9. Metabolic: Myositis ossificans, heterotopic ossification

10. Degenerative: Disuse atrophy, age-related muscle loss NCBIMedlinePlus

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Causes of Splenius Capitis Disorders

Common factors that can damage or irritate the splenius capitis muscle include:

1. Poor head/neck posture

2. Sudden neck movements

3. Heavy lifting without support

4. Whiplash from car accidents

5. Repetitive overhead work

6. Prolonged computer use

7. Stress-induced muscle tension

8. Sleeping on a high pillow

9. Carrying heavy backpacks

10. Sports injuries (e.g., wrestling)

11. Falls impacting the back of the head

12. Direct blunt trauma

13. Viral infections (myositis)

14. Bacterial infections (pyomyositis)

15. Autoimmune inflammation

16. Cold exposure causing spasm

17. Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D)

18. Electrolyte imbalance (e.g., low magnesium)

19. Radiation therapy (fibrosis)

20. Tumor growth or metastasis MedlinePlus

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Symptoms

Patients with splenius capitis disorders may experience:

1. Localized neck pain

2. Stiffness in back of neck

3. Tenderness on palpation

4. Muscle spasm or tight knot

5. Headaches at the base of skull

6. Reduced neck range of motion

7. Pain radiating to shoulder

8. Occipital neuralgia (sharp head pain)

9. Dizziness or lightheadedness

10. Eye pain or blurred vision

11. Nausea with severe spasm

12. Muscle weakness

13. Atrophy (long-term)

14. Swelling in neck

15. Warmth or redness (infection)

16. Fever (pyomyositis)

17. Fatigue (systemic conditions)

18. Night pain disrupting sleep

19. Clicking or crepitus on movement

20. Tension-type headache symptoms Mayo ClinicNCBI

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Diagnostic Tests

1. Physical exam (palpation, range-of-motion)

2. Trigger point identification

3. Ultrasound imaging (muscle tears, abscess)

4. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (soft tissue detail)

5. Computed tomography (CT) (bone involvement)

6. X-ray (rule out bony injury)

7. Electromyography (EMG) (nerve and muscle function)

8. Nerve conduction study

9. Creatine kinase (CK) level (muscle damage)

10. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (inflammation)

11. C-reactive protein (CRP) (systemic inflammation)

12. Complete blood count (CBC) (infection)

13. Blood cultures (pyomyositis)

14. Muscle biopsy (myositis, neoplasm)

15. Trigger point injection test (diagnostic lidocaine)

16. Bone scan (heterotopic ossification)

17. PET scan (tumor evaluation)

18. Thermography (inflammation detection)

19. Dynamic fluoroscopy (real-time motion)

20. Range-of-motion goniometry NCBI

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Non-Pharmacological Treatments

1. Neck stretching exercises

2. Heat packs

3. Ice therapy

4. Foam rolling

5. Myofascial release massage

6. Trigger point dry needling

7. Acupuncture

8. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

9. Ultrasound therapy

10. Shockwave therapy

11. Chiropractic adjustments

12. Cervical traction

13. Postural correction training

14. Ergonomic workstation setup

15. Supportive neck pillow

16. Cervical collar (short-term)

17. Yoga for neck mobility

18. Pilates for core strength

19. Tai Chi for balance

20. Alexander Technique for posture

21. Biofeedback for muscle relaxation

22. Deep breathing exercises

23. Stress management techniques

24. Heat-and-cold contrast baths

25. Kinesio taping

26. Manual therapy (physical therapy)

27. Cupping therapy

28. Relaxation meditation

29. Hydration and electrolyte balance

30. Progressive muscle relaxation Mayo Clinic

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Drugs

1. Ibuprofen (NSAID)

2. Naproxen (NSAID)

3. Diclofenac (topical NSAID gel)

4. Acetaminophen (analgesic)

5. Aspirin (NSAID)

6. Cyclobenzaprine (muscle relaxant)

7. Methocarbamol (muscle relaxant)

8. Baclofen (muscle relaxant)

9. Tizanidine (muscle relaxant)

10. Diazepam (benzodiazepine)

11. Gabapentin (neuropathic pain)

12. Pregabalin (neuropathic pain)

13. Amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant)

14. Duloxetine (SNRI)

15. Topical lidocaine patch

16. Capsaicin cream

17. Trigger point injection (lidocaine ± steroid)

18. Botulinum toxin (for chronic spasm)

19. Prednisone (short course steroid for myositis)

20. Methotrexate (immunosuppressant for myositis) MedlinePlusNCBI

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 Surgical Options

1. Drainage of muscle abscess

2. Surgical debridement (pyomyositis)

3. Fasciotomy (compartment syndrome)

4. Excision of muscle tumor (e.g., rhabdomyosarcoma)

5. Myotomy (surgical release of tight fibers)

6. Nerve decompression (dorsal ramus release)

7. Posterior cervical decompression (laminectomy)

8. Occipital nerve decompression (for headache)

9. Radiofrequency ablation (facet-related pain)

10. Implantation of occipital nerve stimulator NCBI

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Preventive Measures

1. Maintain neutral head posture

2. Use ergonomic chairs and desks

3. Take regular movement breaks

4. Perform daily neck stretches

5. Warm up before exercise

6. Use proper lifting techniques

7. Sleep with a supportive pillow

8. Manage stress with relaxation

9. Stay hydrated and balanced electrolytes

10. Strengthen neck and upper back muscles MedlinePlus

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When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pain at rest or with minimal movement

• Radiating pain into arm or shoulder with numbness/weakness

• Fever, redness, or swelling over the muscle (possible infection)

• Persistent headaches unrelieved by self-care

• Muscle weakness or atrophy

• Loss of daily function due to neck stiffness

• Poor response to conservative treatments after 2 weeks Mayo Clinic

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the splenius capitis muscle?
   A deep neck muscle that extends and rotates the head Wikipedia.

2. Where is it located?
   At the back of the neck, under trapezius and sternocleidomastoid Kenhub.

3. What causes splenius capitis pain?
   Strain, trigger points, poor posture, trauma, infection, or systemic disease.

4. How is a splenius capitis strain treated?
   Rest, ice, NSAIDs, and gentle stretching MedlinePlus.

5. Can splenius capitis trigger headaches?
   Yes—tightness or trigger points can cause cervicogenic headaches.

6. How do I stretch this muscle?
   Gently turn your head away and tilt toward the opposite shoulder, holding for 20 seconds.

7. Is physical therapy helpful?
   Yes—manual therapy, posture training, and exercises can relieve symptoms.

8. What is myofascial pain syndrome?
   A chronic muscle pain condition with hyperirritable trigger points Mayo Clinic.

9. When should I worry about fever?
   Fever with neck pain may indicate infection—see a doctor urgently.

10. Can exercise prevent problems?
    Regular neck and upper back strengthening reduces risk of strain.

11. Is massage good for this muscle?
    Yes—deep tissue or myofascial massage helps release tight fibers.

12. How long does recovery take?
    Mild strains often improve in 1–2 weeks; chronic cases may take months.

13. What tests are most accurate?
    MRI and ultrasound can identify tears or abscesses; EMG shows nerve issues.

14. Are trigger point injections painful?
    They cause brief discomfort but can provide rapid relief.

15. Can surgery cure chronic splenius capitis pain?
    Surgery is rare and reserved for infections, tumors, or severe compartment syndrome.

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

The article is written by Team Rxharun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members

Last Update: April 16, 2025.

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