The suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull are far more important for the nerve reflexes they cause than for the orthopedic pain in the neck they may produce. This particular organ reflex is so important that it is given it’s own chapter (Chapter 5) in "Whats’ Really Wrong With You".
 Obliquus Capitis Superior (17) receives the most daily abuse, from prolonged static contraction holding the head fixed. It is triangular in shape and needs to be PULSED on all three sides. It contacts nerve B which reflexs to the frontal sinuses.
Rectus Capitis Posterior Major (18) is irritated by direct contact with the Obliquus Capitis Superior (17). It contacts nerve A, which reflexes into the sphenoid sinus-pituitary-hypothalamus complex. An irritated sphenoid sinus adversly affects the autonomic nervous system function ( pages 40 and 41.) The sinus drip flows across the openings of the eustachian tubes to the middle ears, often causing blockage there. The level of stored histamine throughout the body is driven to excess (pages14 -18,110 -114,117, and 131.)
The excess muscle tone of 17 is transmitted into Longissimus Cervicis (19) and Obliquus Capitis Inferior (20) which oppose its pull. Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor (21) is in contact with muscle 18.
Splenius Capitis (22) shares an attachment with 19 at the "crick" area at the base of the neck. The other end attaches to the mastoid bone where it may lead to reflexes to the inner ear. This is why frontal headaches are often accompanied by 1ight-headedness, dizziness or nausea.
Sternocleidomastoid (23) and Digastric (24) share the mastoid attachment with 22 and must be worked as a part of the pattern.
When in spasm, 23 affects throat circulation and nerves, and therefore may cause repeat minor sore throats or a constant tickle cough.
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