head and shoulder pain
head and shoulder pain

Head and Shoulder Pain from the Splenius Cervicis

By David Kent, LMT, NCTMB
December 7, 2015

Head and Shoulder Pain from the Splenius Cervicis

By David Kent, LMT, NCTMB
December 7, 2015

When clients report symptoms of pain in the head or eye, it is always of serious concern and they should seek medical care to determine the cause(s) and treatment options. Physicians and other healthcare providers are excellent referral sources to your practice, since a percentage of their patients are suffering with many issues that may include myofascial pain.

Anatomy

The splenius cervicis along with the splenius capitis muscle are the most superficial of all the extensors in the cervical region. The deepest of the extensor muscles are very short in length and attach to the next vertebra. In contrast, the splenius cervicis is long and crosses many vertebrae. Below the splenius cervicis attaches to the spinous process of the third through sixth thoracic vertebrae and the fascia over them. Above it attaches to the posterior tubercle of the transverse process of the upper two to four vertebrae. (See photo 1A)

Action

Unilateral contraction of the splenius cervicis muscle produces extension, lateral flexion and rotation of the neck, turning the face toward the same side. Bilateral contraction produces extension of the neck.

Symptoms

Clients typically report a "stiff neck," limited cervical range of motion and/or pain in the shoulder, neck, head and or eye. Drs. Simons and Travell et, al, identified two (upper and lower) myofascial trigger points in the splenius cervicis muscle. In photo 1, "X" indicates the common location of trigger points. Solid red areas identify essential pain zones, the regions of referred pain that is present in nearly every person with active trigger points. The dotted red regions indicate spillover pain zones or the regions of referred pain on some, but not all, patients with active trigger points.

The splenius cervicis Upper TrP is located, as the name implies, in the superior portion of the muscle in the musculotendinous junctions. It can "refer a diffuse pain through the inside of the head that focuses strongly behind the eye on the same side, and sometimes refers into the ipsilateral occiput."1 (See photo 1A, B) The splenius cervicis Lower TrP is classified as a central TrP and located in middle of the muscle belly. It "refers pain upward and to the base of the neck."1 (See photo 1A, C)

Treatment

During this technique, many posterior neck muscles are treated. Palpation of boney landmarks will help you determine your location. A combination of subjective complaints, objective findings, precise palpation and knowledge of TrP pain patterns will help you determine if the splenius cervicis muscle is involved. A few other muscles in the region that should also be assessed include: trapezius, levator scapulae, sub occipitals and scalenes.

The client is supine on a table. The therapist is seated at the end of table with the shoulder of the treating hand aligned with client's head, neck and body. The thumb of the treating hand is positioned at the base of the occiput, with the pad of the thumb palpating the posterior aspect of the transverse process. Avoid intruding on the nerve root by never treating the lateral aspect of the transverse processes. The therapist's non-treating hand will support the client's head while creating extension of the cervical spine. (See photo 2A)

While lowering the head toward the table, glide the thumb inferiorly, applying pressure anteromedially, to treat the posterior aspect of the transverse process, repeat three or four times. Turn the head 45 degrees away from the treating side and repeat the above step three or four times. Examine the same region using cross fiber movement will help to thoroughly check for TrPs. (See photo 2B)

In photo 3, the non-treating hand continues to support and control movement of the head and neck. The fingers of the treating hand cup the cervical spine as the thumb is positioned anterior to the upper trapezius. The thumb is pointing toward the client's feet with the pad of the thumb facing medially. It is important for the thumb to always remain posterior to the transverse processes to avoid pressing on the brachial nerves. Rotate the client's head toward the treating side with the side of the patient's head now resting on the therapist's forearm. Apply pressure with pad of thumb pointing 45-degrees anteromedially.

When you palpate an active TrP in a client, they recognize the referred phenomena. If the referred pain does not release after applying sustained pressure for a maximum of eight seconds, then release and check the spot later with less pressure.

Factors

Keep in mind that trigger points can form for a number of reasons. Examples include direct trauma during a motor vehicle accident, to sustained stress from poor posture, to improper biomechanics, to poor ergonomics at work and throughout the day. Discuss their activities of daily living. Do they drive for hours everyday? If so, the seat, stirring wheel and mirrors likely need to be properly positioned. Do they work on computer all day? If so, does the monitor, keyboard or chair need adjustments? At home, do they rest on the couch with their neck in extreme flexion?

Self-Care

Empower your clients with self-care tips they can utilize between treatments. Show them how to stretch. Give them the locations, times and tips to perform simple stretches throughout their day in the kitchen, bathroom, while walking the dog, at the beginning and end of everyday. They will feel better and appreciate your efforts.

Pain in the head or neck can create a great deal of anxiety for anyone. Sometimes a little therapy and a few lifestyle changes can make all the difference. Clients want to know what caused the pain and if there is anything they can do to prevent it in the future. If you provide effective solutions, people will refer their family, friends and co-workers. While many muscles could be involved, remember the splenius cervicis can cause pain from head to shoulder.

Reference:

  1. Simons and Travell Et al, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction THe Trigger Point Manual, Upper Half of Body, Volume 1, Second Edition, Pages 432 – 434.