Trigger Point Series: Splenius Capitis – Could This Neck Muscle Be Causing the Pain on Top of Your Head?

Do You Feel Pain on the Top of Your Head?

If you often experience aching or pressure on the top of your head (the crown), the problem may not actually start there.

A tight Splenius Capitis muscle, located at the back of your neck, can develop trigger points that refer pain upward toward the crown of the head. Many people mistake this type of discomfort for a tension headache, when the source may actually be muscle tightness in the neck.

Where Is the Splenius Capitis Muscle?

The Splenius Capitis is a deep muscle located at the back of your neck.

It runs from the upper back and neck to the base of the skull, helping to:

• Support your head

• Turn your head from side to side

• Tilt your head backward

• Maintain good posture

Because it works throughout the day to support your head, this muscle can easily become overworked.

Common Symptoms of Splenius Capitis Trigger Points

When trigger points develop in this muscle, you may experience:

✅ Pain on the top (crown) of the head

✅ Tenderness near the base of the skull

✅ Neck stiffness

✅ Difficulty turning your head

✅ Tightness after working at a computer

Some people describe the pain as a constant ache that seems to start at the back of the neck and travel upward.

What Causes Splenius Capitis Trigger Points?

This muscle is commonly irritated by:

• Looking down at a computer or phone for long periods

• Poor posture

• Holding your head forward while sitting

• Long hours of driving

• Stress-related muscle tension

• Sleeping with poor neck support

Over time, these habits may overload the muscle and contribute to trigger point development.

Simple Splenius Capitis Stretch

Follow these simple steps:

1. Sit or stand with your shoulders relaxed.

2. Turn your head about 20–30 degrees away from the side you want to stretch.

3. Gently tuck your chin downward toward your chest.

4. Use your hand to apply light pressure if comfortable.

5. Hold for 20–30 seconds.

6. Repeat 2–3 times on each side.

You should feel a gentle stretch along the back and side of your neck.

Never stretch into sharp pain.

Strengthening Exercise

After the muscle has relaxed, gentle strengthening can help improve neck stability.

Isometric Neck Extension

1. Place both hands behind your head.

2. Gently press your head backward into your hands without allowing your head to move.

3. Hold for 5 seconds.

4. Repeat 10 times.

This exercise strengthens the muscles without excessive movement.

How Massage Therapy Can Help

Registered Massage Therapists can assess whether tight Splenius Capitis muscles may be contributing to your headaches or neck discomfort.

Treatment may include:

• Trigger Point Therapy

• Therapeutic Massage

• Myofascial Release

• Gentle stretching

• Postural education

Combined with home exercises, massage therapy may help reduce muscle tension and improve neck mobility.

When Should You Seek Professional Advice?

If your headaches become severe, are accompanied by dizziness, vision changes, numbness, weakness, fever, or other concerning symptoms, seek prompt medical evaluation. Persistent neck pain or headaches should also be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

A Registered Massage Therapist can determine whether muscle tension may be contributing to your symptoms as part of a broader assessment.

Visit Tsingtao Wellness Spa

At Tsingtao Wellness Spa, our Registered Massage Therapists provide personalized treatments designed to relieve muscle tension, improve mobility, and support your overall wellness.

Whether you're experiencing headaches, neck tightness, or postural discomfort, we're here to help you Relax. Recover. Renew.