The AAO Journal, 1997/12, 7(4):30-34, type of study: ,obs,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://www.academyofosteopathy.org/assets/aaoj/AAOJ_Winter1997.pdf)

Keywords:

atlanto-occipital junction [1]
cadaver [21]
cervical spine [319]
cranium [85]
headache [164]
observational study [246]
spinal dura [2]
suboccipital muscles [2]

Abstract:

The existence of a previously unreported myodural bridge at the level of the atlanto-occipital junction suggests a direct and dynamic central-peripheral connection which may be directly related to some instances of idiopathic head and neck pain. Artificially functioning the muscular component of the bridge appears to influence the cerebrospinal fluid system by directly affecting dural tension. Because the myodural bridge has a direct influence upon the dura mater, a component of the reciprocal tension membrane system that is also a pain-sensitive structure, we propose that it offers a possible association between cervical musculature and headache pain.