Musculoskeletal Ultrasound to Identify Changes in Obliquus Capitis Inferior Muscle & Position of Atlas After a Manual Stretch

Abstract

Introduction: Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a prevalent condition caused by a disorder of the cervical spine that is commonly accompanied by neck pain and headaches. There is limited research regarding interventions benefiting CGH long-term. Interventions geared toward the suboccipital musculature may be used to improve CGH symptoms due to their anatomical connection to the cervical spine. Purpose: To determine if an isolated manual stretch of the obliquus capitis inferior will create a change in muscle diameter and length and position of atlas relative to axis. Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a single group of 36 subjects. Pre- and post-test measurements of the muscle diameter and length of the obliquus capitis inferior and the distance between atlas and axis were obtained using musculoskeletal ultrasound before and after our manual stretching intervention. Results: The results showed a significant increase in both measures, indicating increased length of the right Obliquus Capitis Inferior and the distance between the transverse process of C1 and spinous process of C2 after the manual stretch was applied. The average width of the right Obliquus Capitis Inferior was found to be 1.01 cm prior to applying the manual stretch and 1.99 cm after applying the manual stretch, demonstrating an increase in the width of the R OCI pre- and post-stretch. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the application of a manual static stretch held for 2x30 seconds will produce and immediate and significant increases in muscle length and width of the right Obliquus Capitis Inferior. Further research should be conducted to establish validated stretching parameters targeting the suboccipital muscles and further examine the effects of these muscles on CGH symptoms