SPLENIUM MUSCLE: ORIGIN, FUNCTIONS, SYNDROMES, DISORDERS - ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY - 2025

The splenium muscle is an even, long and broad muscle. If we look at both muscles at the same time (right and left) they form a large "V" and seen as only one, it ranges from the outer part of the neck to the upper part of the back. Its name comes from the Latin musculus splenius.

It is divided into two areas, one internal and one external. The internal is covered by the trapezius muscle and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It is also known as the splenius capitis or head muscle. Meanwhile, the outer part is called the splenius cervicis or neck muscle and is narrower than the splenius of the head.

Mikael Häggström.When using this image in external works, it may be cited as: Häggström, Mikael (2014). "Medical gallery of Mikael Häggström 2014". WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). Graphic representation of the location of the splenium muscle. Source: DOI: 10.15347 / wjm / 2014.008. ISSN 2002-4436. Public Domain.orBy Mikael Häggström, used with permission.. Edited image

The splenium of the head originates at the level of the nuchal ligament. As it is a long muscle, its medial point of origin continues from the spinous processes of the C7 cervical vertebra to the T3 or T4 thoracic vertebrae; to be inserted into the temporal bone at the level of the mastoid process. Its fibers go from the bottom up.

The splenium muscle fibers of the neck originate at the level of the processes of the thoracic vertebrae T3 to T6. These ascend to insert in the first transverse processes, from the atlas and axis (C1 and C2), to the third cervical vertebra (C3).

Origin

The origin of the muscle will be studied according to its parts.

Splenium muscle of the head

The splenium of the head originates at the level of the nuchal ligament and in the spinous processes of the vertebrae C7 to T3 or T4. Its fibers travel upward until they reach the insertion site.

Splenium muscle of the neck

The processes of the thoracic vertebrae T3 to T6 are the site of origin of the neck portion.

Insertion

Splenium muscle of the head

The mastoid process of the temporal bone is the site where the splenius muscle of the neck is attached, that is, at the level of the lateral third of the superior nuchal line.

Splenium muscle of the neck

The atlas, axis, and third cervical vertebra are the insertion site for the splenium muscle of the neck.

Innervation

Its main innervation comes from the posterior branch of the second cervical nerve, also called the greater occipital nerve of Arnold, although it also receives other branches of the posterior cervical nerves, specifically the third and fourth nerves.

Irrigation

The muscle is supplied by the nascent muscular branches of the occipital artery, which in turn comes from a branch of the external carotid artery.

Features

The function can be divided according to whether the muscle acts unilaterally (only right or only left) or if they act bilaterally (both muscles at the same time). Note that in this case it is not divided into head and neck because it is actually a single muscle and its function is the same.

Unilaterally it collaborates in the rotating and tilting movement of the head, towards the same side of the muscle that is in action (ipsilateral contraction). It is also possible to extend the spine to the same side.

Bilaterally the muscles contract and extend, both the head and the neck back.

Syndromes

Trigger points

The splenium muscle as a whole is normally very sensitive to stress, causing it to tense and form trigger points. Trigger points can also be caused by car accidents.

The muscle during jerky movement is over-stretched, and then exaggeratedly tensed in an attempt to protect the spine. This generates pain points.

Another frequent cause is the excessive use of muscle in sports or occupations that require raising the head and keeping the gaze up, such as climbing mountains, painting a ceiling, among others.

Likewise, it also influences the adoption of incorrect postures for a long time, which imply keeping the head turned to one side, and then turning sharply to the opposite side.

Painful twitch points can cause other symptoms, such as headache, temple pain, neck pain, and stiff neck.

Tension headache

It is a pain that surrounds the upper part of the head, its duration can vary from minutes to days, depending on the patient and the degree of muscular tension, both of the neck and head muscles. The pain is continuous, being the only sign manifested.

There are many factors that cause the muscles of the head and neck to contract, such as: tiredness, stress, anxiety, insomnia and depression.

Treatment: self-massage

The self-massage techniques that will be explained below must be practiced with great care and without exaggeration, since excessive pressure in the area can cause greater discomfort and vertigo. Go slowly and you will get better results.

Technique 1

Apply oil to the neck to help the fingers slide. Tilt your head forward and slightly away from the muscle to be massaged.

Place the hand opposite the muscle you want to massage in a claw shape, that is to say, leave the index, middle and ring fingers extended, while flexing the little finger and thumb. With the fingertips extended, press the lower part of the neck, sliding upwards until you reach the outer part of the neck. Repeat several times until relief is achieved.

Using both hands you can massage both splenic muscles at the same time. If during it a point of greater pain is observed, it is pressed for several seconds using the ring finger.

Technique 2

Place two fingers behind your ear, while turning your head to the opposite side.

Move your fingers approximately 1 cm towards the spine, until you feel that the finger falls into a slight dip, at that time turn your head to the opposite side, to feel the contraction of the splenium, which is achieved when reaching an angle of 45 °.

Technique 3

The neck area can be massaged using an instrument designed for it, called the Trigger Fairy, it is ideal for the muscles in the area, especially the splenium. This instrument is perfect, because it prevents the fingers from tense when massaging, as well as allowing the pressure to be dosed more easily.

The instrument is held with both hands and is passed right at the pain sites.

The massage can be done with fixed movements (precise massages in a certain area) or during movement (pressure movement technique).

Technique 4

If the Trigger Fairy is not available, you can use a ball to massage the affected area. To do this, place the ball next to the first vertebrae of the spine and lean against a wall, while sliding the ball through the pain points.

Related disorders

Head drooping syndrome

This syndrome is characterized by weakness or stiffness in the extensor muscles of the neck, in which the splenius muscle may become involved. The patient presents, as his name indicates, the head dropped, that is, the jaw of the patient touches the thorax.

It is generally a syndrome that accompanies other diseases, especially neuromuscular, for example myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, among others.

References

1. Thibodeau G et al. Anatomy of the muscular system. Cap 10. In Anatomy and Physiology Structure and function of the human body. 2nd Ed. Ed Harcourt brace, Madrid Spain 1995. pp 257-276. Available at: studocu.com
2. Robles N. Physiotherapeutic Approach in Congenital Muscular Torticollis. Research work on Professional Sufficiency to opt for the Professional Title. Available at: Repositorio.uigv.edu.pe
3. Hernández E, Aragonés J. Drop head syndrome. About a case in a geriatric patient. Spanish Rev. of Geriatrics and Gerontology. 2013, 48 (3): 142-143. Available at: elsevier.es
4. "Splenium muscle" Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 23 Feb 2019, 16:46 UTC. 24 Sep 2019, 23:38 en.wikipedia.org
5. «Occipital artery» Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 13 Nov 2016, 03:12 UTC. 25 Sep 2019, 03:58 en.wikipedia.org