Neck muscles help support the cervical spine and contribute to movements of the head, neck, upper back, and shoulders. Here are some of the key muscles attached to the cervical spine:
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Levator scapulae. The levator scapulae muscle is attached at the top four cervical vertebrae (C1 to C4) and runs down the side of the neck to attach at the top of the shoulder blade (scapula). This muscle helps with lifting the shoulder blade, bending the neck to the side, and rotating the head.
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Sternocleidomastoid (SCM). The SCM muscle is attached to a small bone behind the ear (called the mastoid process) and travels down the front of the neck to attach at both the sternum and collarbone. Depending on whether one or both SCM muscles (one on each side of the neck) are contracted, the head can be rotated to the side or the chin tilted upward. It is a large muscle that also helps protect some fragile structures, such as the carotid artery.
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Trapezius. The trapezius muscle is a large surface muscle that spans from the base of the skull down the cervical spine and into the lower thoracic spine (mid back), as well as out to the shoulder blade. The two trapezius muscles together form a kite shape. The trapezius muscle can be involved in extending the head upward or neck backward, rotating/turning the head, or lifting the shoulder blade.
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Erector spinae. Numerous muscles comprise the erector spinae muscles throughout the spine. In the cervical spine, the erector spinae muscles play key roles in supporting posture, rotating the neck, and extending the neck backward.
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Deep cervical flexors. The muscle group is comprised of the longus capitus and longus colli muscles, which run down the front of the cervical spine. The deep cervical flexor muscles are involved in flexing the neck forward as well as stabilizing the cervical spine.
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Suboccipitals. Comprised of 4 pairs of small muscles, the suboccipital muscles connect the top of the cervical spine with the base of the skull. The suboccipitals are important for head extension and rotation.
Of all the neck training devices, Iron Neck is the only device available that allows the training of the above neck muscles. It's ability to train the neck from all angles, at varying speeds and with the body working in all planes ensures your neck is trained fully and is strong for sport and life stresses.