Tight muscles
Obliquus capitis inferior＋
Obliquus capitis inferior
Muscle dictionary
- Functions
- Rotates the atlas and head toward the working side and stabilizes the atlantoaxial region
- Origin
- Spinous process of C2
- Insertion
- Transverse process of C1
Obliquus capitis superior＋
Obliquus capitis superior
Muscle dictionary
- Functions
- Extends and laterally flexes the head and supports fine upper-cervical control
- Origin
- Transverse process of C1
- Insertion
- Occipital bone between the superior and inferior nuchal lines
Pectoralis major＋
Pectoralis major
Muscle dictionary
- Functions
- Adducts and medially rotates the arm; the clavicular fibers assist shoulder flexion
- Origin
- Medial clavicle, sternum, and costal cartilages of the upper ribs
- Insertion
- Lateral lip of the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus
Pectoralis minor＋
Pectoralis minor
Muscle dictionary
- Functions
- Draws the scapula anteriorly and inferiorly against the thoracic wall; contributing to scapular downward rotation; and may assist forced inspiration when the scapula is fixed
- Origin
- Ribs three to five
- Insertion
- Coracoid process of the scapula
Rectus capitis posterior major＋
Rectus capitis posterior major
Muscle dictionary
- Functions
- Extends the head and rotates it toward the working side while supporting fine upper-cervical control
- Origin
- Spinous process of C2
- Insertion
- Lateral portion of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone
Rectus capitis posterior minor＋
Rectus capitis posterior minor
Muscle dictionary
- Functions
- Extends the head and contributes to fine stabilization of the atlanto-occipital region
- Origin
- Posterior tubercle of C1
- Insertion
- Medial portion of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone
Sternocleidomastoid＋
Sternocleidomastoid
Muscle dictionary
- Functions
- Bilaterally flexes the neck; unilaterally laterally flexes to the same side and rotates the head to the opposite side
- Origin
- Manubrium of the sternum and medial clavicle
- Insertion
- Mastoid process of the temporal bone and lateral superior nuchal line
Upper trapezius＋
Upper trapezius
Muscle dictionary
- Functions
- Elevates the scapula and contributes to upward rotation; with the shoulder girdle fixed it can assist neck extension and side bending
- Origin
- External occipital protuberance, medial superior nuchal line, and ligamentum nuchae
- Insertion
- Lateral third of the clavicle and acromion
Weakened muscles
Longus capitis＋
Longus capitis
Muscle dictionary
- Functions
- Flexes the head and upper cervical spine and contributes to anterior cervical control
- Origin
- Anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third through sixth cervical vertebrae
- Insertion
- Basilar part of the occipital bone
Longus colli＋
Longus colli
Muscle dictionary
- Functions
- Flexes and stabilizes the cervical spine and assists slight rotation to the opposite side
- Origin
- Anterior surfaces of the upper thoracic and lower cervical vertebral bodies and cervical transverse processes
- Insertion
- Anterior tubercle of the atlas, upper cervical vertebral bodies, and cervical transverse processes
Lower trapezius＋
Lower trapezius
Muscle dictionary- Functions
- The lower fibers assist scapular depression and upward rotation and contribute to posterior tilt during arm elevation
- Origin
- Lower thoracic spinous processes
- Insertion
- Medial end of the scapular spine
Rhomboid major＋
Rhomboid major
Muscle dictionary
- Functions
- Retracts and downwardly rotates the scapula and helps hold it against the thoracic wall
- Origin
- Spinous processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae
- Insertion
- Medial border of the scapula from the scapular spine to the inferior angle
Rhomboid minor＋
Rhomboid minor
Muscle dictionary
- Functions
- Retracts and downwardly rotates the scapula and helps secure it to the thoracic wall
- Origin
- Ligamentum nuchae and spinous processes of the seventh cervical and first thoracic vertebrae
- Insertion
- Medial end of the scapular spine