The suboccipital muscles are prime contributors to headaches, migraines and stiff neck!
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There are 4 muscles involved in the suboccipital region also called 'Upper Cervical Spine':
Rectus capitis posterior major
Rectus capitis posterior minor
Obliquus capitis superior
Obliquus capitis inferior
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Tension in this muscle could cause headaches by disrupting the normal cerebrospinal fluid fluctuations… and hence the functioning of the vertebral artery and suboccipital nerve.
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The suboccipital area is very prone to get stiff and immobile, when the upper cervical spine can't rotate properly, that motion get picked up by the lower cervical spine, which we want to be actually more stable. That’s why it is very important to always check this important area and to mobilise it if feel any restrictions!
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Releasing some of this tissue can directly affect and relieve your headache without the use of any drugs.
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Pictures 1 & 2 show a myofascial release technique for the suboccipital muscles.
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