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SPLENIUS CAPITIS MUSCLE SYNDROME IT MAY NOT BE MIGRAINE FUNCTION Bilaterally, the splenius capitis muscles extend and hyper-extend the head and neck. However,... acting unilaterally, the muscle flexes and rotates the head and neck to the same side; particularly in the superior and inferior lateral oblique movements. The muscle can be felt to tighten in the mandibular protrusive movement and in the wide opening movement of the lower jaw. The dynamic relationship of the cranio-cervico-mandibular-hyoid musculature is perhaps one of the most complex inter-relationships of muscle groups in the human body. PAIN PATTERN Splenius Capitis Muscle Syndrome typically mimics the respective pain reference patterns of temporal tendinitis and migraine headache. The painful headache starts at the lateral margin of the superior nuchal line and medial to the mastoid process. The reference areas of pain are described as follows: Rear of headaches and hurts. Lateral temple headache. Retro-orbital headache and pressure. Aching pain above the eye. Aching pain at cheekbone under eye. Eye hurts and is sensitive to bright light. Pain radiating to neck, shoulder and arm at times. Nausea and vomiting when pain is intense. The most effective way to confirm the diagnosis of Splenius Capitis Muscle Syndrome is to put digital pressure at the superior nuchal line between the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles at the nuchal line. If the area is painful and/or stimulates the pain referral pattern, then the source of the headache and pain may have been located. TREATMENT At an early stage, massage may be helpful. Anti-inflammatory injections may be required in case of chronic inflammation and sever pain. Treatment may also require RFTN, if the insertion fibres of the muscle are damaged. -- source: Practical Pain Management by Edwin A. Ernest, III, DMD, FAANaOS and Mark W. Ernest, BA