The neck muscles are a very sensitive and important structure in our body. Not only does it allow us to perform numerous movements, but it also stabilizes our spine and allows us to maintain a healthy posture. An important muscle for this is the musculus splenius.
What is the musculus splenius?
The musculus splenius is a back muscle. It belongs to the group of skeletal muscles and is part of the lateral part of the musculus erector spinae, the autochthonous muscles of the spine. The back muscles are of great importance for the movement of the upper body. This includes extension, rotation and lateral inclination. It also provides permanent stabilization of the spine. The back muscles can be considered an active bracing system, as they strengthen the spine from the head to the pelvic girdle, including the ribs. Autochthonous back muscles are deep back muscles supplied by the spinal nerves leading to the back. Superficial back muscles are activated by the ventral spinal nerves. Autochthonous translates to “originated locally.” This means that muscles that originated here did not migrate. The non-autochthonous muscles grew toward the back with the time of human development as an embryo and lie on top of the autochthonous muscles, that is, superficial.
Anatomy and structure
The autochthonous muscles are divided into three sections. The division is based on nerve supply from the spinal nerve. The posterior branch, also called the ramus posterior, of the spinal nerve supplies the back muscles, which are divided into two tracts.The medial tract is supplied by the medial branch of the ramus posterior, and the lateral tract is supplied by the lateral branch of the ramus posterior. The splenius muscle belongs to the lateral tract of the autochthonous back muscles. The lateral tract is located between the transverse processes and the costal angle, also called the angulus costae. In addition to attaching to the transverse and spinous processes of the spine and rib segments, the muscles also attached to the skull or coccyx, the os sacrum. The most efficient muscle is the extensor muscle Musculus longissimus. The musculus plenius consists of two parts, the musculus splenius capitis and the musculus splenius cervicis. The splenius capitis muscle originates near the head at the spinal dorsal process (Processus spinosi) of the 3rd-7th cervical vertebra, as well as the 1st-3rd thoracic vertebra. Another important point is located at the ligamentum nuchae, the nuchal ligament. Its attachment is at the upper neck line (linea nuchae superior). The spleniius cervicis muscle originates slightly lower on the spinal dorsal process of the 3rd-5th thoracic vertebrae, as well as on the temporal bone (proccesus mastoideus) and the occipital bone (os occipitale), and attaches to the posterior cusp (tubercula posterior) of the bony process of cervical vertebrae 1-3. The General function of the autochthonous back muscles is dorsal extension or trunk erection. They assume this function because they are dorsal to the transverse flexion and extension axis (flexion and extension axis).
Function and tasks
The function of the splenius muscle is dorsal extension, or head back tilt, by bilateral contraction of the muscle. This is also called reclination of the head, i.e., extension of the cervical spine. In addition, unilateral contraction can allow rotation as well as lateral inclination from the head and cervical spine to the same side. Thus, the splenius muscle, together with the other autochthonous muscles in the cervical and thoracic spine, allows us to move as much as possible in all directions.
Diseases
The muscles of the cervical and thoracic spine are very sensitive to stress and cause headaches and neck pain in many patients. Persistent incorrect posture or movement can cause tension. These restrict the movement of the head and cause localized pressure sensitivity and pain in particular. This manifests itself in neck pain. Since the muscles are constantly tense to stabilize our head and spine, the pain persists even at rest. The result can be neck stiffness. Such conditions are often found in office workers, which is why there is the term: “Word Processor Headache“. In addition, the muscle is often severely irritated during sudden contractions, such as trauma from a car accident. Another risk factor for irritation of the muscle is cold drafts, such as those caused by air conditioning or when riding a motorcycle.In addition to neck stiffness, the tension can also cause deterioration of vision. It is important to note that pain can also occur when breathing. Chest pain, or rather rib pain, is mainly caused by tension in the neck and thoracic spine. The cause is the close anatomical connection of the muscles to the bones. Tension in the cervical spine and/or thoracic spine tenses the respiratory displacement of the ribs. The result is a pulling pain in the chest and shallow breathing. Once the tension is there, it rarely resolves on its own. In addition to physical therapy prescribed by your doctor, you can do some exercises for your neck yourself. The possible exercises for your neck muscles are very similar to the normal ways your neck muscles move. 1. let your head slowly fall into your neck. Now slowly circle your head once to the starting position. You can do this several times a day to stretch your muscles. Tilt your head to the left side. Your right arm hangs next to your hip. With your left hand, you can increase the stretch if needed by gently adding some pressure. Remain in this position for 20 seconds, breathing deeply, and repeat the exercise for the right side. If you do not feel any improvement or if you even feel a worsening, it is recommended to consult a doctor.