Functional Rehab Academy
Obliquus capitis inferior / superior
Muscle origin: Transverse process of atlas (Obliquus capitis superior) and spinous process of axis (Obliquus capitis inferior)
Muscle insertion: Occipital bone between superior and inferior nuchal lines (Obliquus capitis superior) and Transverse process of atlas (Obliquus capitis inferior)
Muscle function: Stability of C1-2, head extension (bilateral contraction), head lateral flexion (Obliquus capitis superior – ipislateral) and head rotation (Obliquus capitis inferior – ipislateral)
Nerve innervation: C1 (Lovett reactor L5)
Myofascial lines:
Primary inhibatory muscles:
- Opposite Obliques capitis superior
- Opposite Obliqus capitis inferior
- Opposite Rectus capitis posterior major
- Opposite Rectus capitis laterals
- Opposite Scalenes
- Opposite Levator scapula
- Sternocleidomastoid
- Opposite Trapezius upper
- Rhomboid
- Opposite Psoas
Related joints: C1-2
Inferior part
Client is supine. Lift the head into full flex and full rotation towards test side. Hold with both hands around the head and try to rotate back towards midline.
Superior part
Client is supine. Lift the head into full flex and full rotation opposite to test side and pocke the chin up. Hold with both hands around the head and try to “break the head on the neck” – trying to get the top cheek tucked in.
Functional anatomy for
Obliquus capitis inferior / superior
Organ relationship: Symp T2-9 / Parasymp CX (Vagus)
- Lungs (AK)
- Symp – T2-T6 (Pulmonary plexus)
- Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
- Stomach (AK)
- Symp – T5-9 (Celiac plexus)
- Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
- Spleen (AK)
- Symp – T5-T9 (Celiac plexus)
- Parasymp – None (CX minimal)
Synergists:
Neck extension
Rotation same side
Lateral flexion same side