Longus Colli

Pointer Plus The Pointer Plus is an easy to use trigger point (TP) locator which incorporates a push button stimulation feature to immediately treat Trigger point pain.

The Longus colli is an anterior muscle of the neck.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: There are 3 portions to this muscle. The Vertical portion attaches from the bodies of C5, C6, C7, T1, T2, T3 vertebra; the Inferior oblique portion attaches from the bodies of T1, T2 and T3 vertebra; the Superior oblique portion attaches from the anterior tubercles of the transverse process of C3, C4 and C5 vertebra.
• Insertion: There are 3 portions to this muscle. The Vertical portion attaches into the bodies of C2, C3, and C4 vertebra; the Inferior oblique portion attaches on the anterior tubercles of the transverse process of C5 and C6 vertebra; the Superior oblique portion attaches on the anterior tubercle of C1 vertebra.

Action: Flexes the neck and aids in cervical rotation.

Nerve Supply: Branches of the anterior primary rami of C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, and C8

Vascular supply: Muscular branches of the ascending cervical, the vertebral and the pharyngeal arteries.

Longus Capitis

The Longus capitis is an anterior muscle of the neck.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the anterior tubercles of the transverse process of C3 through C6 vertebra.
• Insertion: Attaches to the basilar part of the occipital bone.

Action: Flexes the head.

Nerve Supply: Muscular Branches of C1, C2, C3, and C4.

Vascular supply: Ascending pharyngeal, cervical and vertebral artery.

Longus Colli and Longus Capitis as a Group

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Can cause difficulty in swallowing (Dysphagia), choking, pain with talking, sore throat, hoarseness.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Persistent anterior tilting of the head, anterior neck trauma, Acceleration/Deceleration injury (Whiplash).

Differential Diagnosis: (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) C2 radiculopathy, Laryngitis, Laryngeal cancer, Thyroid cancer, Goiter, Gastric reflux, Esophageal cancer, Anxiety reaction, Acceleration/Deceleration injury (Whiplash), Soft tissue injury to the neck or throat, Aortic aneurysm, Tonsillitis, Streptoccocal infection (Strep throat), Epiglottitis, Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Common cold, Upper respiratory infection, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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