Headache One of the more common headaches is the suboccipital headache. - At the base of the skull there is a group of muscles, the suboccipital muscles, which can cause headache pain for many people. - Sub occipital muscles - Rectus capitis posterior major muscle - Rectus capitis posterior minor muscle - obliquus capitis superior muscle - obliquus capitis inferior muscle - These four pairs of muscles are responsible for subtle movements between the skull and first and second vertebrae in the neck. - They are located within the suboccipital compartment of the neck; deep to the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, splenius and semispinalis muscles. They collectively act to extend and rotate the head. - When the suboccipital muscles go into spasms they can entrap the nerves that travel through the suboccipital region. By compressing the suboccipital nerves they set off a series of events that lead to either a tension or a migraine like headaches. Dr Ayaz Physiotherapy weight loss hair and skin clinic For appointment call 8080292950