What Does the Splenius Capitis Muscle Do?

The splenius capitis is a deep muscle located on the upper back. Along with the splenius cervicis, it makes up the superficial layer (one of the three layers) of intrinsic back muscles. This means that it extends and rotates the head and neck, as opposed to the ribs and upper limbs.

This article addresses the structure and function of the splenius capitis, as well as how this muscle may be injured and subsequently treated.

What Is the Splenius Capitis?

The splenius capitis is a muscle that works with the splenius cervicis, a smaller muscle located just below it, to help you rotate your neck and lower your chin to your chest—a movement called flexing. It's important for maintaining good posture because it helps keep the head in a neutral position.

Starting at the midline of the spine at C3 to T3, the splenius capitis spans the levels between your 7th cervical vertebra to your 3rd or 4th (it varies) thoracic vertebrae. This muscle inserts at the nuchal ligament, a very strong ligament of the neck. The splenius capitis muscle then angles up and out to attach to your skull.

Both the splenius capitis and the splenius cervicis cover the vertically oriented paraspinals, which are deeper and comprise the intermediate layer of the intrinsic back muscles. The splenius muscles appear as if they bandage the paraspinals and the vertically oriented muscles that make up the deepest intrinsic layer. The splenius muscles serve to hold these deeper layers in position.

These muscles start at the center of the spine and together, they form a “V” shape. The sides of the “V” are very thick and the central indentation is quite shallow.

Splenius Capitis Pain

It's common for people to have pain associated with the splenius capitis. This type of pain is called splenius capitis syndrome.

Symptoms

A headache stemming from injury to the splenius capitis often mimics a migraine headache. Symptoms of splenius capitis syndrome include:

• Pain at the back of the head
• Headache at the temples
• Pressure or pain behind the eye
• Pain above or under the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Neck or arm pain

Causes

Injury to the splenius capitis can result from:

• Poor posture for prolonged periods of time
• A vehicle accident
• A sports injury
• Falling
• Falling asleep in an awkward position
• Repeatedly flexing or rotating your neck
  

Treatment

It's best to contact a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms that concern you or interfere with your daily activities or quality of life. While in the office, a healthcare provider will likely review your medical history, ask you questions relevant to the injury, and give you a physical exam that will involve pressing on muscles in the neck.

Strategies to improve splenius capitis-related pain may involve one treatment or a combination of treatments. Options include:

• Applying ice and heat to the area
• Oral pain relievers
• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• In-office anesthesia injections
• Minimally-invasive surgery
• Neck stretches to relieve tightness
  

Summary

The splenius capitas is a muscle located at the back of the neck that attaches to the skull. Along with another muscle, the splenius capitas, it helps you rotate and flex your neck. Damage to the splenius capitas can result from poor posture or an injury, such as from a vehicle accident, and can cause facial pain and headaches. A variety of treatment options are available, from neck stretches to in-office procedures.