Semispinalis Capitis Muscle Pain in Back of Head

Semispinalis capitis muscle pain can occur when someone has an injury or overuses this set of muscles found in the back of the neck. The muscles connect the base of the skull to the upper back. The pain is felt in the neck and head.

Some of the strategies to relieve pain include stretching and dry needling. This article will cover details about the semispinalis capitis muscles, how to relieve pain in that area, and the healthcare providers specializing in that care.

Quick Facts About the Semispinalis Capitis Muscle

The semispinalis capitis muscles are found in the neck. They run from the bottom of the skull, specifically the occiput, and follow down to attach to multiple areas on the cervical and transverse spinal bones.

These muscles provide neck extension and rotation of the head and neck from side to side. The semispinalis capitis muscles also keep the head balanced on the neck.

Symptoms of Semispinalis Capitis Pain

The semispinalis capitis muscle connects the scalp and spine to control some head movements. With this muscle connecting to the scalp, the symptoms vary more than typical neck pain.

Symptoms of semispinalis capitis pain include:

• Tenderness in the back of the head and neck
• Upper neck and head pain
• Scalp numbness
• Pain in the temple that radiates to the eye
• Headaches
  

What Causes Semispinalis Capitis Tension?

Injuries that can cause pain in this area are car accidents, blunt trauma, and falls. Other causes of semispinalis capitis tension are poor posture and overuse injuries.

How to Relieve Semispinalis Capitis Pain

Semispinalis capitis pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Their evaluation will determine which treatments are best. Below are treatments that may be used.

Stretches 

Gentle stretching can help relieve neck pain caused by tension or strain. A forward neck flexion stretches the back of the neck.

To do this:

1. While sitting or standing, slowly bend the head forward, with the chin down to the chest.
2. Hold this for 15 to 30 seconds.
3. Repeat two to four times.

Posture Correction

Correct posture affects overall health and can cause neck and back pain. Modern-day lifestyles frequently involve prolonged sitting. This can lead to people bringing their head and neck out of proper posture.

To maintain proper posture while sitting, ensure the following happens:

• Sit on the chair with your back and shoulders straight and against the back of the chair.
• Knees should be bent at 90 degrees and feet flat on the ground.
• Keep shoulders relaxed.
• Head should be in line with the upper body.
• Eyes should be looking straightforward.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a technique delivered by certain healthcare providers like physical therapists and chiropractors to relieve pain and muscle tension. The procedure involves inserting a thin needle into the muscle and leaving it for 10 to 30 minutes.

The needles do not inject any medications or substances (hence the term dry needling). A small study in 2022 found that dry needling relieved semispinalis capitis pain. It also improved daily living activities and increased physical therapy outcomes.

Self-Care and Finding Pain Relief At Home

Neck pain can make many activities more difficult. Performing self-care at home can be one way to help minimize the pain and find faster relief. Below are ways to find pain relief at home:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers: Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help relieve some of the pain.
• Heat and ice: Ice the area for the first 48 to 72 hours (10 to 20 minutes at a time, without direct contact with ice on the skin); after the pain begins, then use heat.
• Supportive pillow: Use a supportive pillow and firm mattress to support the neck and back when sleeping.
• Neck collar: A healthcare provider should be consulted first, but a soft neck collar can help muscles relax. The collar should not be used for too long as it can cause muscles to weaken.

Providers to See for Tight Back-of-Neck Muscles

A few types of healthcare providers can help when you have tight muscles in the back of the neck. The best place to start is with a primary care provider. They can give an evaluation to determine where to refer you.

From there, treatment can be provided by a physical therapist or chiropractor. Either practitioner will develop a specific treatment plan that may involve stretching, exercises, lifestyle changes, and more. People will often be given exercises and stretches to be done at home in addition to their clinic visits.

Summary

The semispinalis capitis muscles control side-to-side and up-and-down movements of the head. Injury or overuse can cause pain that is felt in the head or neck. A primary care provider can evaluate the injury and determine the best treatment plan or refer you to a different practitioner. Treatment can include stretching, correcting posture, and using home therapies like heat and ice.