NECK PAIN OR HEADACHES? ⠀ SUBOCCIPITAL MUSCLES AND OAA COMPLEX ⠀ [MYOFASCIAL RELEASE TREATMENT] ⠀ The suboccipital muscles are prime contributors to headaches, migraines and stiff neck! ⠀ There are 4 muscles involved in the suboccipital region also called 'Upper Cervical Spine': 1️⃣Rectus capitis posterior major 2️⃣Rectus capitis posterior minor 3️⃣Obliquus capitis superior 4️⃣Obliquus capitis inferior you know the Rectus capitis posterior minor not only attaches to the occiput, but also to the Dura mater. This is the connective tissue sheath which surrounds the spinal cord and brain. ⠀ Tension in this muscle could cause headaches by disrupting the normal cerebrospinal fluid fluctuations… and hence the functioning of the vertebral artery and suboccipital nerve. ⠀ The suboccipital area is very prone to get stiff and immobile, when the upper cervical spine can't rotate properly, that motion get picked up by the lower cervical spine, which we want to be actually more stable. That’s why it is very important for me as a therapist to always check this important area and to mobilise it if I feel any restrictions! ⠀ Releasing some of this tissue can directly affect and relieve your headache without the use of any medicine!