Deep Neck Flexors (Longus Colli, Longus Capitis, Rectus Capitis Anterior and Rectus Capitis Lateralis)

This course describes the anatomy and integrated function of the deep neck flexor muscles (a.k.a deep cervical flexors, and includes the longus colli, longus capitis, rectus capitis anterior, and rectus capitis lateralis). These muscles have origins and insertions on the cervical vertebra and occipital bone of the skull, are located deep on the anterior surface of the cervical spine, or deep to the more superficial cervical extensors of the occipital muscles. Unfortunately, research is not available on fiber type composition; however, based on the composition of the other paraspinal muscles it is likely these muscles are composed of more type I muscle fibers than type II muscle fibers. The deep cervical flexor muscles cross the joints of the cervical spine segmentally, anterior to the axis of rotation. The longus colli and longus capitis contributes to cervical spine flexion, while the longus capitis, rectus capitis anterior, and rectus capitis lateralis contribute to atlantooccipital joint flexion. The ability to contribute to cervical spine flexion, without also acting as extensors of the upper cervical spine and head, makes these muscles uniquely capable of contributing to cervical retraction (chin tuck). This course also describes the role of the deep cervical flexor muscles in cervical spine arthrokinematics, fascial integration, postural dysfunction and altered muscle activity, and subsystem integration. Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, etc.) must be aware of the integrated function of the deep cervical flexors for the detailed analysis of human movement, and the development of sophisticated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions. Further, this course is essential knowledge for future courses discussing injury prevention and physical rehabilitation, including neck pain, forward head posture, cervicogenic headaches, whiplash syndrome, chronic neck pain, neck flexor weakness and muscle endurance, neck stability, and there is even a study demonstrating that adding chin tucks to address cervical posture may improve outcomes for low back pain. Additionally, future course may include the effect of deep neck flexor weakness and muscle activation on the activity of the sternocleidomastoid or deep cervical extensors, and deep cervical flexor specific techniques including the deep neck flexor endurance test, and deep neck flexor training including muscle activation, strength, and reactive exercises.

Brookbush Institute’s most recommended techniques for the Deep Neck Flexors (see videos below):

• Assessment: Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Test
• Activation: Deep Neck Flexor Isolated Activation (Chin Tucks)
• Reactive Activation: Deep Cervical Flexor Activation with Chest Pass
• Integration: Abdominis Activation with Deep Neck Flexor Activation

Caption: Anterior view of the deep neck flexor complex