The second cervical vertebra, the axis, is considered the most important of all the neck’s bony structures partly due to its unique dural membrane attachment and also because of the powerful myofascial structures anchoring it from above and below (top figure). Deep suboccipital muscles that bind C2 to the occiput and atlas work in harmony with other muscles to balance the head on the neck.
Several of the nerves that exit the upper cervical complex travel back over the top of the head to the forehead. These nerves must pass through a confined space called the suboccipital triangle (bottom figure). When the suboccipitals become irritated from physical strain, stomach sleeping, or emotional stressors, they tighten…sometimes squashing the nerves that traverse the triangle.
The obliquus capitis inferior (OCI) may be the most underappreciated of all the suboccipital muscles. Arising from the spinous process of C2 (axis) and inserting on the transverse process of C1 (atlas), their primary function is head-on-neck rotation.
When a rotated axis combines forces with an already overstretched dural tube from cranial or sacral distortions, a full-blown central nervous system assault may transpire.
If you or someone you know dealing with headaches, please have them contact us.
http://www.ImpactWellness.com | 813-695-2338
@ Dalton Myoskeletal Therapy
#headaches #suboccipital #migraine #spine #muscle #tension #alignment #neck #spine #cervical #deeptissuemassage #iastm #rehab #performance #mpstherapy #impactwellness #tampa #physio #bodywork #mobility #flexibility #painfree #movement #tampabay #health #fitness #exercise #myofascial #therapy
impactwellness 