Myotherapy Center

Brachiocephalicus - kinda sounds like a dinosaur, but it's actually a very important muscle of the neck.

The brachiocephalicus connects the poll/head to the front limb. Specifically, the brachiocephalicus originates on the back of the temporal bone of the skull as well as C1, C2, C3, and C4.

The muscle then travels down the neck and inserts on the proximal (upper portion) of the humerus of the forelimb.

The horse cannot move its forelimb without this muscle. When the muscle is contracted the forelimb is pulled forward. If the forelimb is on the ground and the muscle is contracted the head and neck will laterally flex. If the muscle contracts bilaterally the neck will be pulled down and the head will be pulled toward the hindquarters.

Proper collection is critical to proper function of this muscle. If false collection is achieved, meaning only the head and neck are engaged without also engaging the trunk and hindquarters, the brachiocephalicus will be under intense strain. Proper collection is critical to prevent stress, tension, soreness, and possible injury from overuse/misuse of this muscle.

What might you notice if this muscle is not properly functioning?
1. The horse may be resistant or uncomfortable when asked to bend his head and neck.
2. A short and choppy stride or lack of full forelimb extension.
3. Resistance to or refusal to flex the poll.
4. Resistance or inability to laterally flex the neck.
5. Difficulty with turns - especially at speed. You may notice a horse that is heavy on the forehand and braces against the bit.
6. Bulging or overdevelopment of the muscle.
7. Head shyness or resistance to bridling.
8. Upon palpation the horse may be very sore and may move away from the pressure applied.
9. The muscle may be very firm to the touch.

One of the best ways to prevent dysfunction in this muscle is to ensure that collection is achieved with full engagement of the hindquarters and trunk. Allowing the horse to move with a natural head carriage is also important to preventing overuse/misuse injuries.

Osteopathy and massage can assist in relieving tension and soreness in this muscle. This muscle is never sore in isolation. Horses with soreness, tension, or stiffness in this muscle will always show compensation in other muscles of the neck, back, and often the hindquarters. Osteopathy includes a full body assessment to relieve this tension.