Anatomy of the Neck
As an acupuncturist it is important to understand the musculature of the neck and the common pain points. The neck contains a complex network of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels that work together to support the head, facilitate movement, and protect vital structures. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the basic musculature of the neck and the common injury points that can result in pain, discomfort, and limited mobility.
The muscles of the neck can be broadly categorized into two groups: the superficial muscles and the deep muscles. The superficial muscles are located closer to the surface of the skin, while the deep muscles are located deeper within the neck. Let's start by examining the superficial muscles of the neck.
The Superficial Muscles of the Neck:
The superficial muscles of the neck are primarily responsible for movement and support of the head. These muscles include:
Sternocleidomastoid Muscle (SCM): This is a large muscle that runs diagonally across the neck. The SCM is responsible for tilting the head to the side, rotating the head, and flexing the neck.
Trapezius Muscle: This muscle is located at the back of the neck and runs down the spine. The trapezius muscle is responsible for shoulder movement, head extension, and neck rotation.
Platysma Muscle: This is a thin, sheet-like muscle that covers the front of the neck. The platysma muscle is responsible for facial expressions, such as frowning and grimacing.
The Deep Muscles of the Neck
The deep muscles of the neck are located beneath the superficial muscles and are responsible for providing stability and support to the neck. These muscles include:
Longus Colli Muscle: This muscle is located at the front of the neck and is responsible for flexing and rotating the neck.
Scalene Muscles: There are three scalene muscles - anterior, middle, and posterior - located at the side of the neck. These muscles are responsible for elevating the first two ribs and assisting with breathing.
Levator Scapula Muscle: This muscle is located at the back of the neck and is responsible for lifting the scapula.
Common Injury Points
The neck is susceptible to a variety of injuries, including strains, sprains, and whiplash. The most common injury points in the neck include:
The Cervical Spine: The cervical spine is the seven vertebrae that make up the neck. Injuries to the cervical spine can result in pain, limited mobility, neurological deficiencies and even paralysis.
The Discs: The discs are located between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers. Injuries to the discs can result in herniation or bulging, causing pain and limited mobility.
The Muscles: Strains or sprains to the muscles of the neck, particularly the SCM and trapezius muscles, can result in pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
Nerves: The nerves in the neck can become pinched or compressed, resulting in pain, tingling, and numbness.
Conclusion
Understanding the basic musculature of the neck and the common injury points is essential for maintaining optimal neck health. Whether you are an athlete, office worker, or simply someone who spends a lot of time looking at screens, taking steps to protect your neck can prevent injury and promote a healthy, pain-free lifestyle. Stay tuned for the next post about how we treat the neck with acupuncture and what you could do to keep yourself healthy at home.
