Musculus longissimus capitis
The longissimus dorsi is the largest epaxial muscle. It originates from the iliac crest, sacrum, and spinous and transverse processes of the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae, and inserts on the transverse and articular processes of more cranial vertebrae and the ribs. Bilateral contraction extends the back and loin; unilateral contraction produces lateral flexion. It stabilizes the vertebral column and transmits propulsive forces from the hindquarters. It is innervated by the dorsal branches of the thoracic and lumbar spinal nerves. The cervical portions (longissimus cervicis, longissimus capitis, and longissimus atlantis) continue the system into the neck and to the atlas or skull. They extend and laterally flex the neck and are important for head carriage and collection. Problems in the longissimus system significantly affect rideability, collection, and impulsion.
Origin: Transverse processes of the first 2-3 cervical vertebrae
Insertion: Mastoid process of the temporal bone and wing of the atlas
Action: Extends the head; lateral flexion of the head and upper neck
Innervation: Dorsal branches of cervical spinal nerves (C1-C3)
Back pain, including kissing spines and sacroiliac dysfunction, commonly manifests as pain and spasm in the longissimus. It is the muscle most often associated with poor performance, reluctance to engage, or resistance under saddle. Diagnostic approaches include clinical examination, ultrasound, and sometimes scintigraphy.
## Overview Atlas pain refers to discomfort localized to the first cervical vertebra or its articulations with the skull (atlanto-occipital joint) and axis. It is a clinical sign rather than a specif
## Overview Poll tension is muscle spasm and stiffness at the poll that resists flexion. It produces head tilting, difficulty achieving a round frame, ear pinning when asked to flex, and sometimes he
## Overview Cervical osteoarthritis produces a range of effects beyond local joint pain. These include reduced range of motion, multifidus atrophy, nerve-root compression or irritation leading to for
Reluctance to bend, bucking, or poor engagement under saddle can involve the longissimus. Have persistent back issues evaluated rather than assuming simple soreness. Balanced work and correct saddle fit help.
## Overview Atlas pain refers to discomfort localized to the first cervical vertebra or its articulations with the skull (atlanto-occipital joint) and axis. It is a clinical sign rather than a specific diagnosis and may result from osteoarthritis, trauma, muscle strain of the poll region, or referred pain. Affected horses often show resistance to poll flexion, head shaking, or reduced performance under saddle. ## Causes Primary causes include osteoarthritis of the atlanto-occipital joint, previous fracture or subluxation, direct trauma, and insertional strain of the rectus capitis or obliquus capitis muscles. Secondary (referred) pain from dental disease, temporomandibular joint problems, or forelimb lameness can also manifest as apparent atlas-region discomfort. ## Diagnosis Palpation of the poll and atlas wings, assessment of range of motion, and observation under saddle are initial steps. Diagnostic analgesia of the atlanto-occipital joint, radiography, and ultrasound help localize the source. Nuclear scintigraphy may identify active bone remodeling. ## Treatment Treatment is directed at the underlying cause. Joint injection, anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy, and chiropractic or osteopathic techniques are used for osteoarthritis or soft-tissue pain. Rest and rehabilitation address acute strain. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis depends on the primary lesion. Many horses with mild osteoarthritis or muscle pain improve with targeted therapy and return to full work. Advanced joint disease may limit long-term performance. ## Prevention Proper warm-up, appropriate bit and bridle fit, and prompt attention to dental or forelimb issues reduce secondary poll pain. Signs include: resistance to poll flexion; head tilting or shaking; pain on palpation of the atlas wings; reduced performance; stiffness in the cranial neck
## Overview Poll tension is muscle spasm and stiffness at the poll that resists flexion. It produces head tilting, difficulty achieving a round frame, ear pinning when asked to flex, and sometimes head-shaking. Causes include overflexion in training, dental pain, ear problems, or temporomandibular joint issues. ## Causes Training methods that force poll flexion, dental disease, or local pain. ## Diagnosis Palpation and evaluation of teeth, ears, and temporomandibular joints. ## Treatment Correct the underlying cause, physiotherapy, and retraining with less forceful flexion. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. ## Prevention Balanced training and regular dental care. Signs include: resistance to poll flexion; head tilting; difficulty achieving a round frame; ear pinning; head-shaking
## Overview Cervical osteoarthritis produces a range of effects beyond local joint pain. These include reduced range of motion, multifidus atrophy, nerve-root compression or irritation leading to forelimb lameness or gait deficits, and compensatory changes in posture and topline musculature. The caudal cervical joints are most often clinically significant. ## Causes Progressive cartilage loss and osteophyte formation alter joint mechanics and can narrow intervertebral foramina. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs correlated with imaging and, when indicated, diagnostic analgesia or advanced imaging to assess foraminal narrowing. ## Treatment Facet injections, anti-inflammatories, rehabilitation to restore mobility and muscle support, and workload adjustment address the effects. ## Recovery and Prognosis Many horses return to useful work. Progressive disease may eventually limit athletic career length. ## Prevention Early intervention for stiffness and maintenance of neck strength slow clinical progression. Signs include: neck stiffness; muscle atrophy; forelimb lameness unresponsive to distal blocks; reduced performance; altered head carriage
Back pain, including kissing spines and sacroiliac dysfunction, commonly manifests as pain and spasm in the longissimus. It is the muscle most often associated with poor performance, reluctance to engage, or resistance under saddle. Diagnostic approaches include clinical examination, ultrasound, and sometimes scintigraphy.
Reluctance to bend, bucking, or poor engagement under saddle can involve the longissimus. Have persistent back issues evaluated rather than assuming simple soreness. Balanced work and correct saddle fit help.
See the Longissimus Capitis on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model