Anatomical Connection Found Between the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major and the Dura Mater
By Anatomical Connection Found Between the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major and the Dura Mater
A new study, just published in Spine Journal, reports on an investigation of the muscles of the suboccipital triangle and their relationship to cervicogenic headaches.
During the anatomic study of thirteen cadaver specimens, it was discovered that eleven of the 13 specimens had a connection between the rectus capitis posterior major muscle (at C2) and the spinal dura mater. [1]
A previous report by Hack (Spine 1995) [2] discussed a connection found between the rectus capitis posterior minor and the dura mater and its relationship to cervicogenic headache.
What is most interesting in this new study is that manual traction of the rectus capitis posterior major resulted in gross movement of the dural sheath from the spinal root level at C2, all the way down to the T1 nerve root.
Hack previously suggested that:
“It has been speculated that the function of the muscle dural bridge may be to prevent folding of the dura mater during hyperextension of the neck. Also, clinical evidence suggests that the muscle dural bridge may play an important role the pathogenesis of the cervicogenic headaches
.”
The authors of the current study concluded that “various clinical manifestations may be linked to this anatomical relationship.”
REFERENCES:
1. Anatomical Connection Between the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major and the Dura Mater
Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2011 (Jan 27) [Epub ahead of print]
2. Anatomic Relation Between the Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor Muscle and the Dura Mater
Spine 1995 (Dec); 20 (23): 2484-2486
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The work of John Iams PT has some approaches which deal with reducing the effects of dural stimulation on the nervous system. It is a very helpful method and can be applied easily. He seems to be very aware of this dural influence on nerve tissue.
Greetings,
I am the leading author of Anatomical Connection Between the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major and the Dura Mater. I invite your readers to the link below so that they can see one of the images of the connection. The article in spine gives the clinical relevance of this connection. My contact information is also on the website if there are any questions or suggestions for future studies in this critical area.
http://www.drfrankscali.com/personal-record/
Cheers,
Frank Scali, DC (MD*)
SGU School of Medicine*(attending)
Department of Anatomy
Division of Research
Logan University Alum
Dr Scali
Thanks for your input. From a tech standpoint, lose the black background on your website…it’s very tiring on the eyes. Ity just does not work on a professional website.
I hope the new font style and backdrop is less of an eye strain. Thank you for notifying me about this matter.
Cheers,
F. Scali
RESPONSE from Frank
Much better!