Association of Cross-Sectional Area of the Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor Muscle with Active Trigger Points in Chronic Tension-Type Headache

Abstract

It seems that muscle atrophy in the RCPmin, but not in the RCPmaj, was associated with suboccipital active TrPs in CTTH, although studies with larger sample sizes are now required. It may be that nociceptive inputs in active TrPs could lead to muscle atrophy of the involved muscles. Muscle disuse or avoidance behavior can also be involved in atrophy.

Anatomical Parameters of the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major and Obliqus Capitis Inferior Muscles Based on an Oblique Sagittal Magnetic Resonance Scan Method

“…The connections between these structures are speculative anatomic bases for the above functions and may be of clinical significance. Literatures put forward that chronic headache is associated with pathological changes of the MDB and RCPmi (McPartland et al;Alix et al;Fernández-de-Las-Peñas et al, 2007, 2008, when lesion occurs in the RCPmi, and the DM which is pain sensitive is pulled, headache may occur (Hack et al, 2004) This study presented the MRI image features, imaging anatomical data and sexual dimorphism of RCPma and OCI. Moreover, this imaging anatomical data will be useful for functional and clinical studies on RCPma, OCI, patients with muscular atrophy and neck pain,and the MDB.…”

“…Recently, Sui et al, proposed that the MDB may be a dynamic source of CSF circulation (Sui et al, 2013;Zheng et al, 2014). Some clinical studies suggested that there is a relationship between the deep suboccipital muscles and headache (McPartland et al, 1997;Fernández-de-Las-Peñas et al, 2007, 2008. To understand the morphology and human distribution characteristics of RCPmiRCPma and OCI, imaging anatomical data is significantly meaningful in functional studies of the MDB,especially in identifying pathologic changes of the deep suboccipital muscles.…”

Computerized Mobilization of the Cervical Spine for the Treatment of Chronic Neck Pain

“…[29][30][31][32][33][34] Some of these changes are associated with structural abnormalities in extensor neck muscles seen in magnetic resonance imaging. 35,36 The relation between headache and NP is probably bidirectional. TTH is not only associated with neck muscle dysfunction but chronic NP is associated with reduced PPT in the trigeminal area.…”

Anatomical Parameters of the Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor Muscle Based on a New Magnetic Resonance Scan Method

“…It is hypothesized to perform some physiological functions, such as protecting the spinal cord from dural enfolding (Hack et al;Pontell et al;Chang et al;Fernández-de-Las-Peñas et al, 2008;McPartland et al), placing tension to the dura under (Rutten et al, 1997;Chang et al;Fernández-de-Las-Peñas et al, 2008;McPartland et al), maintaining the integrity of the subarachnoid space (Fernández-de-Las-Peñas et al, 2008;McPartland et al), and working as a pump via the MDBs to provide power for CSF circulation (Su et al; Zheng et al; Yuan et al). Furthermore, Some clinical studies found that the pathology of RCPmi for instance atrophy or swelling, might be closely related to chronic cervical headaches (McPartland et al;Alix & Bates;Fernández-de-Las-Peñas et al, 2007;Fernández-de-Las-Peñas et al, 2008).…”