The purpose of the neck and occipital (back of the head) muscles is to support the head on top of your spine, as well as, to move the head and neck.
- The longer muscles start in the midback and shoulder regions and insert into the cervical (neck) vertebrae and the back of the skull (the occiput).
- The shorter and deeper muscles go between the individual cervical vertebrae, and also the occiput.
- When you have a cervical or occipital subluxation, your muscles become out of balance, with one side pulling more.
A simple test is to stand in front of a mirror. Close your eyes and stand where you think you are standing straight. Then open your eyes and check to see if your eyes or ears are level with each other, whether your shoulders are level with each other, whether your chin is in the midline, or whether you head is tilted or rotated. Any of those items can mean that your muscles are out of balance and that you probably have a cervical or occipital subluxation.
- Muscles that are constantly contracting, trying to pull the vertebrae back into place, or trying to stabilize the neck can be felt as tightness, may have “knots” in them, or even be felt as deep ache.
- Hot showers, ice, and massage may relieve some tightness.
- Chiropractic treatment will also help relieve and re-balance those muscles.