The splenius capitis is the superficial posterior cervical muscle running diagonally from the nuchal ligament to the mastoid, acting as an ipsilateral head rotator. The greater occipital nerve passes between the semispinalis capitis and splenius capitis — entrapment here produces occipital neuralgia. Splenius capitis trigger points refer pain to the top and behind the eyes producing the 'finger-point headache' pattern.
| Origin | Ligamentum nuchae and spinous processes of C7-T3 |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Mastoid process and lateral superior nuchal line — deep to the sternocleidomastoid |
| Nerve Supply | Lateral branches of dorsal rami of C2-C3 |
| Blood Supply | Occipital artery |
| Actions | Bilateral: head and neck extension; Unilateral: ipsilateral lateral flexion and rotation (rotates the head to the same side — opposite to the sternocleidomastoid) |
|---|
Splenius capitis strain from sudden head rotation or chronic sustained neck flexion (forward head posture) produces unilateral posterior cervical pain and restricted rotation. The muscle is targeted in cervical manipulation and dry needling for cervicogenic headache.
The splenius capitis is palpable at the lateral posterior neck between the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid from the mastoid to the upper thorax, becoming firm during resisted ipsilateral head rotation.
Acute posterior cervical muscle tear from sudden rotation or whiplash producing restricted ipsilateral rotation managed with manual therapy and progressive loading.
