## Overview Splenius myalgia is pain and spasm in the splenius muscle from chronic overuse, often due to forced collection, heavy rein contact, or working behind the vertical. Horses resist poll flexion, toss the head, and show pain on palpation of the upper neck behind the poll. Signs worsen when asked to work round and through. ## Causes Training-related overuse. ## Diagnosis Palpation and observation under saddle. ## Treatment Rest from forced flexion, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatories, and retraining with lighter contact. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good when the training approach is modified. ## Prevention Balanced training that does not force poll flexion.
reluctance to flex at the poll; head tossing; resistance to bridle contact; pain on palpation of the upper neck; worse when asked to work round
## Overview Splenius myalgia is pain and spasm in the splenius muscle from chronic overuse, often due to forced collection, heavy rein contact, or working behind the vertical. Horses resist poll flexion, toss the head, and show pain on palpation of the upper neck behind the poll. Signs worsen when asked to work round and through. ## Causes Training-related overuse. ## Diagnosis Palpation and observation under saddle. ## Treatment Rest from forced flexion, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatories, and retraining with lighter contact. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good when the training approach is modified. ## Prevention Balanced training that does not force poll flexion.
reluctance to flex at the poll; head tossing; resistance to bridle contact; pain on palpation of the upper neck; worse when asked to work round