Neck[edit | edit code]
Neck muscles: a) front view;
b) rear view The seven cervical vertebrae with the muscles and ligaments attached to them provide the neck with great flexibility. The vertebrae, muscles and ligaments work as a unit to support the head and allow it to perform a variety of movements. The first and second cervical vertebrae have a specific shape and special names - atlas and axial vertebra, or axis. Atlant
is a bony ring that supports the skull.
The axial vertebra
has a bony outgrowth, or tooth, on its upper surface that acts as an axis on which the atlas rotates. The axial and five remaining cervical vertebrae also have posterior processes, which serve to attach thick occipital-spinous ligaments. The vertebral bodies are oval in shape and connected to each other by the posterior and anterior longitudinal ligaments. The spinous and transverse processes of the vertebrae are also the sites of attachment of ligaments that ensure the integrity of the spine. Between the vertebrae there are “intervertebral discs.” They provide mobility to the cervical spine, allowing the neck to tilt forward, backward, and to the sides.
The muscles in the neck area are located in the form of two triangles - anterior and posterior. The boundaries of the anterior are the lower jaw, sternum and sternocleidomastoid muscle, and the main muscles are the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles.
The boundaries of the posterior triangle are the clavicle, sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. Its main muscles are the trapezius muscle, as well as the longissimus, semispinalis and splenius capitis muscles.
The neck muscles allow flexion (tilt the head forward), extension (tilt the head back), lateral flexion and extension of the neck (tilt the head to the right and left), as well as rotation. Since the neck muscles are paired, they are all involved in lateral flexion and extension. For example, the right sternocleidomastoid muscle is responsible for lateral flexion to the right, and the left muscle of the same name is responsible for extension from this position. Flexion of the neck is limited not only by the tightness of the muscles in the back, but also by the elasticity of the ligaments in this area, the strength of the flexor muscles, the relative position of the vertebrae, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs and the purely physical circumstance that the chin rests on the chest. Similarly, neck extension is limited by the degree of muscle tightness and elasticity of the ligaments of the front of the neck, the strength of the extensor muscles, the relative position of the vertebrae and the elasticity of the intervertebral discs. Finally, with lateral bending, the limiting factors are not only the tightness of the muscles and ligaments, but also the position of the transverse processes of the vertebrae, which abut each other.
When doing stretching exercises, we rarely think about the neck muscles until we feel stiffness in this area. It is commonly thought that this may be caused by sleeping in an unusual position (such as in an airplane seat) or sitting at a desk for long periods of time, but in fact it can be caused by any type of physical activity, especially those that require the head to remain in a fixed position at all times. Thus, neck stiffness may be detrimental to sports in which it is important to hold your head correctly (such as golf) or make rapid movements of the head to observe the movement of an object (such as tennis). Stiffness and rigidity usually occur as a result of prolonged maintenance of a fixed position, as well as after intense training.
Since all the major neck muscles are involved in turning the head, stretching them is not difficult. When choosing specific exercises, the first thing you need to do is determine what is more difficult for you to do - flexion or extension. Then you can add side bends. In other words, to work the extensor muscles, start with them first, and then, as your mobility increases, add those responsible for bending and rotating.
If done incorrectly, stretching the neck muscles can be dangerous. Some exercises are performed in a position where the head lies with the back of the head on the floor and the body is raised almost perpendicular to the floor. This will create a lot of tension at the flexion point, especially in people with low neck mobility, which can lead to either vertebral damage or excessive compression of the intervertebral discs. A slipped disc puts pressure on the spinal cord and can damage it. Also, when performing neck stretches, be careful not to make any sudden or rapid movements, as this may result in a whiplash injury. In the worst case, the consequence may be a rupture of the vertebral artery or a fracture of the vertebrae, as a result of which bone fragments penetrate into the medulla oblongata, causing death.
Remember also that stretching too hard does more harm than good. The result may be the opposite - muscle tightening. Therefore, always start with the least restrained mice and move on to others only after several weeks of training, when the stiffness of a particular area is eliminated. This also means that both agonists (muscles that perform a movement) and antagonists (muscles that perform the opposite movement) need to be stretched. Remember that even if you experience tightness on only one side, you need to stretch the muscles on both sides to maintain balance. To stretch a specific muscle, you need to perform a movement that is the opposite of what it is usually involved in. For example, if you want to stretch the left scalene muscles, you need to tilt your head back and to the right. If the muscles are too tight, then you should start with simple movements (for example, to work the right scalene muscles, first you just need to tilt your head to the left). When the muscle relaxes slightly, you can simultaneously add opposite movements.
Treatment of neck pain in medical
The high professionalism and impressive work experience of our doctors allows us to select a suitable treatment program for neck diseases for each patient. Our medical center is equipped with modern high-tech and reliable devices for laboratory and instrumental diagnostics, physiotherapy and treatment. And experienced massage therapists and chiropractors will help not only relieve neck pain, but also improve the overall health of the body.
If you are concerned about neck pain and limited mobility, make an appointment with us without expecting the condition to worsen.
Neck muscles[edit | edit code]
Neck muscles
- Sternocleidomastoid muscle
- Longus capitis muscle
- Rectus anterior capitis muscle
- Longus colli muscle
- Anterior scalene muscle
- Scalene medius muscle
- Posterior scalene muscle
- Sternohyoid muscle
- Omohyoid muscle
- Sternothyroid muscle
- Thyrohyoid muscle
- Digastric muscle of the neck
- Stylohyoid muscle
- Mylohyoid muscle
- Geniohyoid muscle
"Tight" neck
Neck exercises: video tutorial
Especially for readers of the portal, we have prepared a video course of exercises for the neck. Be sure to complete the entire complex: parts one, two and three.
This non-medical term is often used to describe the discomfort in the neck that a person experiences when standing up after sleeping in an awkward position. Similar symptoms also occur in those who have sat at the computer without a break for a long time or suddenly jerked their head sharply. A “tight” neck is not a diagnosis, and this problem can have completely different causes. Typically, the feeling of stiffness is caused by muscle spasm or nerve compression as a result of a displaced intervertebral disc. Unpleasant sensations usually go away after resting in a comfortable position and doing physical therapy. Attention: if symptoms persist for more than a week, do not delay visiting your doctor.
Intervertebral disc herniation
A herniated disc develops when, as a result of injury, the nucleus pulposus, located under the hard fibrous membrane of the disc, protrudes into the space between the vertebrae. This leads to pinched nerve roots and even damage to the spinal cord. When the roots in the cervical spine are pinched, severe pain, weakness and numbness in the arm, as well as dizziness and headaches appear. The appearance of intervertebral hernias is provoked by injuries, as well as severe overexertion - for example, lifting a heavy load with a curved spine. Remember:
treating intervertebral hernias at home is impossible!
If the symptoms described above appear, you should immediately consult a doctor
. Keep in mind that in some cases surgery may be required.
Neck sprain
Ligaments are bands of connective tissue that hold bones together, including the bones of the spine. Sprains of these ligaments can occur as a result of a fall or sudden sharp turns of the head, which unnecessarily stretch and overload the ligaments. Another reason is chronic tension due to prolonged exposure to an incorrect position. If there is sharp pain, limited mobility and swelling in the neck - especially after a fall - place the person on their back on a hard surface and immediately call an ambulance
.
Facial muscles.
The facial muscles are closely intertwined and are located around the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. The facial muscles include the muscles of facial expression and mastication, which are attached to the skin and soft tissues of the face. The overall structure includes about 20 flat skeletal muscles lying under the skin of the face and scalp. All of them, with the exception of the buccal, are not surrounded by fascia.
The structural features allow the facial muscles to move the skin and soft tissues relative to the bony surface of the skull. This contributes to the formation of furrows, folds, wrinkles and dimples, which change facial expression and play a big role in matters of appearance. The facial muscles are connected to the nervus facialis—the facial nerve. When the facial nerve is damaged and inflamed, the corresponding muscles partially or completely lose their functions and do not work properly, which leads to visible changes in appearance.
Chewing group of facial muscles.
It provides the chewing process. Consists of the temporal - temporalis, chewing - masseter, lateral and medial pterygoid muscles.
The temporal lobe, accordingly, is located in the temporal fossa. The lateral and medial pterygoids are in the infratemporal fossa. The chewing muscle is located in the cheek area. The muscles of this group are attached to the lower jaw and are responsible for its movement in the temporomandibular joint during functions such as chewing and grinding.
Mimic group of facial muscles.
Most facial muscles contribute to the expression of emotions. The consequence of contraction of the muscles of this group is a change in facial expression.
Accordingly, the more often the facial muscles are involved, the higher the likelihood of premature wrinkles appearing on the face and neck, since the cervical and facial muscles are closely connected. A distinctive feature is that the muscles in this group are relatively thin and are attached directly to the skin, connecting to each other in separate bundles.
Muscles of the eye circumference.
- The orbicularis oculi muscle consists of several parts: orbital, secular, lacrimal.
- The orbital muscle is responsible for closing the palpebral fissure, forming folds in the orbital area and transverse wrinkles in the frontal part.
- The century muscle is responsible for closing the eyelids.
- Lacrimal muscle - expansion of the lacrimal sac, filling with tear fluid.
- The corrugator muscle is responsible for bringing the eyebrows closer together and takes part in the formation of interbrow folds.
- The proud muscle is responsible for the middle part of the eyebrows and wrinkles the skin between the eyebrows.
- The depressor brow muscle lowers the eyebrow and promotes the formation of transverse folds in the area of the root of the nose.
Muscles of the mouth circumference.
The muscles of the mouth belong to the buccolabial group and are a complex structural unit. The main functions are to control the movements of the lips and mouth. In total, there are 2 main categories of muscles in this group, which have different functional purposes: squeezing, raising and extending the lips, lowering the corners of the mouth, and others.
The functions performed by the muscles around the mouth correspond to the name.
- Orbicularis oris muscle
- Greater zygomatic
- Zygomatic minor
- Laughter muscle
- Depressor muscle - depressor anguli oris
- Lowering lower lip
- Elevator of the upper lip
- Raising the corner of the mouth
- Mentalis muscle
- Transverse chin muscle
Muscles of the nasal circumference
The nasal muscle begins in the upper jaw, attaches to the nasal bone and is a group of muscles that consists of two parts. The outer one goes around the wing of the nose, then widens slightly at the midline and passes into the tendon. The inner part is attached to the posterior end of the cartilage of the nasal wing.
- The nasalis muscle is responsible for narrowing the nostrils.
- The depressor septum muscle is responsible for widening the nostril at the entrance.
Source: https://bbtape.ru/