The neck can suffer a variety of ailments, including muscle strains, joint strains, fractures, nerve damage and arthritis. Neck extension exercises help to strength your neck and counteract the pain felt from everyday use. There are eight muscles involved in neck extensions.
Splenius Capitus
The splenius capitus is a think muscle that resembles a strap. It is located in the back of your neck. It begins at the base of your skull and ends at the top of your thoracic spine. This muscle allows for head extension, as well as lateral flexion and rotation of the cervical spine.
Cervicis
The cervicis are a group of muscles -- including the semispinalis cervicis and the splenius cervicis -- located deep in the back of your neck. These muscles are narrow bands of tendons that run from the top of your neck to the sixth thoracic vertebrae.
Semispinalis Capitus
The semispinalis capitis is located in the upper back portion of your neck. It's a broad muscle that originates in the seventh cervical verteabrae and inserts into the occipital bone.
Semispinalis Cervicis
The semispinalis cervicis is a thick band of muscle that contains a series of fibers and tendons. It is located in the upper back and runs into the cervical spinous processes.
Spinalis Capitus
The spinalis capitus is a bundle of muscles and tendons that comprise a portion of the erector spinae. This muscle is closely connected to the semispinalis capitis.
Upper Trapezius
The upper trapezius is the largest muscle in the back. It extends a long way from the occipital bone to the shoulder blade. The function of the upper trapezius is to move and support the arms and shoulders.
Longissimus Cervicis
The longissimus cervicis is part of the longissimus muscle group, and is located at the posterior portion of the cervical spine. The longissimus cervicis begins in the thoracic vertebrae and ends in the cervical vertebrae.
Levator Scapula
The levator scapula is located on the back and on the sides of your neck. The levator scapula begins at the base of your skull and ends at the scapula, or your shoulder blade. This muscles helps to lift your shoulders. If you carry weight on your shoulders, this muscle becomes tense in order to support the weight.
References
- "NASM: Essentials of Personal Fitness Training"; National Academy of Sports Medicine; 2008
- American University: Neck Muscles
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