Semispinalis capitis myalgi.

The semispinalis capitis is the muscle that has a pain pattern that goes almost like a band on the side of the head. Semispinalis capitis can cause or be involved in headaches. This can occur if it becomes overactive and dysfunctional. A so-called semispinalis capitis myalgi. Semispinalis capitis is very similar suboccipital when it comes to pain pattern. Regular self-massage, stretching, specific training and eventual treatment by a musculoskeletal expert (chiropractor, physiotherapist, manual therapist) are all examples of measures that can help you get rid of myalgia.

Follow Vondt.net on YOUTUBE

(Follow and comment if you want us to make a video with specific exercises or elaborations for exactly YOUR issues)

Follow Vondt.net on FACEBOOK

(We try to respond to all messages and questions within 24-48 hours. We can also help you interpret MRI responses and the like.)

Foam rolls are in the wind like never before - hence their incredible price growth in the sports shops. Now a foam roller can cost up 500,- kroner in certain stores, which is pretty ridiculous considering what you are actually paying for. A foam roller. We have received good feedback on the following foam roll which costs a fraction of the price (at the time of writing it only costs approx. 90 Norwegian kroner as of 28.04.2015 - a real bargain in other words):

- Read more about the foam roller here: BLUE High Density Foam Roller (link opens in new window)

Other more temporary measures can be pain-relieving, tiger balm or similar.

New custom designed pillows can also be helpful - if you are considering investing in one then recommend more studies this pillow.

This type of pillows is almost impossible to raise in Norway, and if you find one, they usually cost the shirt and some more. Instead, try the pillow via the article we link to above, it has a lot good shooting goals and people are happy.

Here you can see an illustration showing the muscle attachments to the semispinalis capitis, from the back of the neck vertebrae and up to the back of the head (occiput):

Semispinalis capitis muskelfest - Foto Wikimedia Commons

Here you can see an illustration that shows the pain pattern (referenced pain from muscle knot) for semispinal capitis:

Semispinalis capitis trigger point pain pattern - Photo Wiki

Semispinalis capitis can cause or be involved in neck pain, neck stiffness and headaches - as well as a pressing sensation on the side of the head, often just behind the ear against the attachment of the occiput (also known as C0).

Getting started with more training? Exercise and movement are good for muscles and joints - check out these recommendations:

• Chin-up / pull-up exercise bar can be an excellent exercise tool to have at home. It can be attached and detached from the door frame without the use of a drill or tool.
• Cross-trainer / ellipse machine: Excellent fitness training. Good for promoting movement in the body and exercising overall.
• Kettlebells is a very effective form of training that produces fast and good results.
• Rowing Machines is one of the best forms of training you can use to get good overall strength.
• Spinning ergometer bike: Good to have at home, so you can increase the amount of exercise throughout the year and get better fitness.

Also read:

- Can a special pillow really prevent headaches and neck pain?

- Headache (Learn more about the causes of headaches and what you can do to relieve it)

- Pain in the neck (Learn more about the causes of neck pain and what you can do to get rid of them)

- Pain in the muscles (Why does it really hurt your muscles? Learn more here.)