Before you read about splenius capitis and cervicis trigger points, referred pain, and self-massage, you may want to learn more about these muscles.
Splenius Trigger Point Causes and Symptoms
Trigger points in these muscles are one of the many causes of headache of myogenic origin. TrP’s in the splenius capitis and cervicis muscles can be caused by sudden direct trauma, often as a result of whiplash injury. Any postural stress that holds the head in an extended and rotated position for a long period of time can also lead to trigger points in these muscles. A cold draft on these muscles, especially if already fatigued, can also help activate Trp’s, especially when the muscles are already fatigued. Sleeping on a pillow underneath the neck and upper back, so that the neck is extended, can also be a problem.
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During strength training, performing pullups, lat pulldowns, or similar exercises while looking up with the head cocked forward, chin projected and neck extended may be likely to irritate these muscles.

Splenius Capitis Trigger Points
The main symptom of trigger points in the splenius capitis is referred pain at the top of the head, close to the crown or vertex. See figure 2 below for trigger point locations and referred pain pattern.

Splenius Cervicis Trigger Points
The primary symptom of TrP’s in the splenius cervicis is pain in the angle of the neck, head and especially the eye. The pain is often reported to seem to shoot through the head to the back of the eye but may also be present in a band around the side of the head leading to the eye. A feeling of pressure in the eye may also be involved. Splenius cervicis trigger points, in addition to causing pain around the orbit of the eye, may blur the vision.
Splenius cervicis TrP’s can also be a cause of stiff neck, which limits rotation of the head, along with the levator scapulae. Splenius involvement alone will cause less stiffness then levator scapulae involvement alone, which is the main “stiff neck” muscle. When both muscles are involved, rotation of the head may be completely restricted due to pain. When stiffness remains after treatment of levator scapulae TrP’s it is likely due to leftover TrP’s in the splenius cervicis. The sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius can also be associated with stiff neck. See the third image below for trigger points and referred pain patterns.

Main Symptoms Summarized
- Pain inside the head leading to the eye
- Pain at the top of the head
- Pain at the angle of the neck
- Neck Stiffness and pain upon rotation
- Blurry vision
Associated Satellite Trigger Points
It is highly unlikely that trigger points will occur in the splenius muscles alone. Associated trigger points should be expected in the levator scapula and any of the posterior cervical muscles such as the semispinalis capitis and cervicis; and the multifidi.
TrP’s in the splenius capitis may give rise to satellite trigger points in the temporalis and semispinalis (which may also be caused by upper trapezius TrP). Trigger points in both the splenius muscles may be spawned from TrP’s in the upper trapezius.
Self-Release of Splenius Muscle Trigger Points
The splenius muscles are difficult to palpate due to their being located beneath other muscles. However, the muscles in this area are thin so some success can be had by massaging the cervical muscle area in general. A Thera Cane, Knobble, or tennis ball can be used but the fingers may still be the best tool to get in deep to the splenius muscles. Treatment by a qualified professional with trigger point experience may be best in the case of whiplash injury due to a rear-end car collision or intractable problems with this area such as severe stiffness and pain that cannot be solved by self-treatment.
To self-massage the splenius muscles it is best to lie on your back so that the neck is relaxed. Using the arm opposite of the side you intend to treat, bring your hand around the back of your neck, feel for the mastoid process behind and below the ear and the occipital protuberance and spine of the cervical vertebrae below it. The groove-like area between these two features is where you want to begin massaging. Dig your fingers into the fibers close to the mastoid process while rotating your head and flexing it slightly to the opposite side. Rub along the orientation of the fibers or use cross strokes. You may need to use your other hand to lend support to the working fingers. Alternatively, you may want to use the non-working, same-side hand to help position the head.

Work your way down, along the spine in this groove which is known as the lamina or laminar groove, feeling for the very tight and painful areas. A hook-like motion, that simultaneously presses and stretches the muscle, can also be employed. Your neck should feel more fluid and free to rotate and bend after a good massage of this area. Again, professional treatment is always recommended and it is best to use self-treatment as an adjunct to the services of a therapist. These muscles are difficult to completely palpate and spray and stretch or dry needling may be needed in some instances. 1Simons, David G., Janet G. Travell, Lois S. Simons, and Janet G. Travell. “Chp. 15: Splenius Capitis and Splenius Cervicis Muscles.” Travell & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1999. 295-304. Print.,2Chaitow, Leon, and Sandy Fritz. “Chp. 3: Different Trigger Point Characteristics.” A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Understanding, Locating, and Treating Myofascial Trigger Points. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2006. 43. Print.,3 Chaitow, Leon, and Sandy Fritz. “Chp. 3: Different Trigger Point Characteristics.” A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Understanding, Locating, and Treating Myofascial Trigger Points. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2006. 43. Print.,4Davies, Clair. The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-treatment Guide for Pain Relief The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-treatment Guide for Pain Relief]. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 2004. Print.
Sources
↲1 | Simons, David G., Janet G. Travell, Lois S. Simons, and Janet G. Travell. “Chp. 15: Splenius Capitis and Splenius Cervicis Muscles.” Travell & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1999. 295-304. Print. |
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↲2 | Chaitow, Leon, and Sandy Fritz. “Chp. 3: Different Trigger Point Characteristics.” A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Understanding, Locating, and Treating Myofascial Trigger Points. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2006. 43. Print. |
↲3 | Chaitow, Leon, and Sandy Fritz. “Chp. 3: Different Trigger Point Characteristics.” A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Understanding, Locating, and Treating Myofascial Trigger Points. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2006. 43. Print. |
↲4 | Davies, Clair. The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-treatment Guide for Pain Relief The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-treatment Guide for Pain Relief]. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 2004. Print. |