Spry Juncture, LLC
How to Evolve Gracefully
Rectus Capitis Posterior Major
Region
Origin & Insertion
['Origin: Spinous process of C2', 'Insertion: Inferior nuchal line of occipital bone']
Synergistic Muscles
['Rectus capitis posterior minor', 'Obliquus capitis superior']
Joints
['Atlanto-occipital, Atlanto-axial joints']
Primary Actions
['Extension and ipsilateral rotation of head']
Nerve & Spinal Segment
Suboccipital nerve (C1 dorsal ramus)
No plexus; C1 dorsal root
Interesting
May contribute to cervicogenic headaches. [Netter's]
Reversal of Action
Posterior cranial base anchored while spine lifts
Common Dysfunctions
Base of skull tension, cervicogenic headache trigger point
How to Stretch
Gentle head flexion with chin nod.
Trigger Points
How to Strengthen
Neck stability drills with head nods.
Concentric Action
Extend and rotate head to same side
Applications:
Target in cervicogenic headache therapy
Eccentric Action
Control head return from extension
Isotonic Action
Cranio-cervical extension with nodding cue
Related Conditions
['Suboccipital syndrome', 'Headaches']
Isometric Action
Hold head in slight extension
Exercise Ideas
['Suboccipital activation', 'Head hold isometrics', 'Diagonal extensions']