Deep neck flexor group (DNF)

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Prevertebral muscles anterior view¹

Deep Neck Flexor Group

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Longus Capitis	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Muscles of the back/Prevertebral Muscles/longus_capitis.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Muscles of the back/Prevertebral Muscles/longus_capitis.html#insertion	?var:ref-longus-capitis.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Muscles of the back/Prevertebral Muscles/longus_capitis.html#action
Longus colli cervicis	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Muscles of the back/Prevertebral Muscles/longus_colli_cervicis.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Muscles of the back/Prevertebral Muscles/longus_colli_cervicis.html#insertion	?var:ref-longus-colli-cervicis.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Muscles of the back/Prevertebral Muscles/longus_colli_cervicis.html#action
Rectus Capitis Anterior	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Muscles of the back/Prevertebral Muscles/rectus_capitis_anterior.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Muscles of the back/Prevertebral Muscles/rectus_capitis_anterior.html#insertion	?var:ref-rectus-capitis-anterior.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Muscles of the back/Prevertebral Muscles/rectus_capitis_anterior.html#action
Rectus Capitis Lateralis	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Muscles of the back/Prevertebral Muscles/rectus_capitis_lateralis.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Muscles of the back/Prevertebral Muscles/rectus_capitis_lateralis.html#insertion	?var:ref-rectus-capitis-lateralis.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Muscles of the back/Prevertebral Muscles/rectus_capitis_lateralis.html#action

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Innervation	Action
Longus capitis	C3-C6 Anterior tubercle of TP	Occipital bone (basilar part)	Anterior rami C1 - C3	OA Joint: Head flexion
Longus colli cervicis	C5-T3 Anterior surface of vertebral body	C2-C4 Anterior surface	Anterior rami C2 - C6	Unilateral: C/L sidebend, C/L rotation Bilateral: Forward flexion
Rectus capitis anterior	C1 Lateral mass	Occipital bone (basilar part)	Anterior rami C1	Unilateral: OAJ ipsilateral sidebend
Rectus capitis lateralis	C1 TP	Occipital bone (basilar part and lateral to occipital condyles)	Anterior rami C1	Unilateral: OAJ ipsilateral sidebend

Motor control of DNF

• Supine with head supported is a good way to begin loading DNF group
• Good cue: should be blocking ability to swallow
• Cue: Pushing tongue against roof of mouth can help to activate the DNF

Intervention

• 10x10 second hold
• DNS exercises
  • 4.5 mo

References

1.

Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.