Section 01 of 20
Introduction
Splenius cervicis is the lower, narrower part of the splenius group, working alongside splenius capitis above it. It runs from the upper thoracic spinous processes upward and outward to the transverse processes of the upper cervical vertebrae, deep to the trapezius and rhomboids.
Unlike splenius capitis, which reaches the skull, splenius cervicis attaches only to the cervical spine, so it acts entirely on the neck rather than the head. It shares its wrapping, bandage-like arrangement with splenius capitis, and the two muscles work closely together.
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Origin
| Origin | The spinous processes of the upper three or four thoracic vertebrae (about T3–T6). |
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An anatomical image for this section will be added when verified source media becomes available.
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Insertion
| Insertion | The posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the upper two or three cervical vertebrae (about C1–C3). |
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An anatomical image for this section will be added when verified source media becomes available.
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Actions
| Primary action | Extension of the neck. |
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| Secondary actions | Lateral flexion and same-side rotation of the neck. |
| Movement at the joint | Cervical spine. |
| Heads / fiber groups | Single narrow muscle in the splenius group. |
| Functional examples | Holding the neck upright; looking up; turning to check over the shoulder; looking to the side. |
Extension of the neck
Both sides together extend the cervical spine.
Lateral flexion of the neck
One side tilts the neck toward that shoulder.
Rotation of the neck
One side turns the neck toward the same side.
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Nerve Innervation
| Nerve | Posterior (dorsal) rami of the lower cervical spinal nerves, roughly C4–C8. |
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The posterior rami that supply this muscle also supply the skin and facet joints of the neck. Pain that spreads into the shoulder or arm, or numbness and tingling, may reflect a nerve root or disc problem, not only muscle tightness.
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Blood Supply
| Blood | The deep cervical artery and branches of the transverse cervical artery. |
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Pictures and Visual Anatomy
An anatomical image for this section will be added when verified source media becomes available.
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Functional Movement
Splenius cervicis works together with splenius capitis to hold the neck upright, extend the neck when looking up, and rotate the neck when turning to look over the shoulder or to the side.
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Synergists and Antagonists
Synergists: splenius capitis, semispinalis cervicis, and the suboccipital and deep posterior neck muscles (extension), and sternocleidomastoid on the opposite side (same-side rotation). Antagonists: the deep neck flexors (longus colli) and the opposite-side splenius cervicis for lateral flexion and rotation.
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Palpation and Location
Client position and technique
Position the client prone with the forehead supported. Locate the upper thoracic spinous processes and the base of the neck, then follow the muscle diagonally upward toward the upper cervical transverse processes, deep to the trapezius. Ask the client to gently extend or rotate the neck to feel the muscle tighten.
Protect nearby structures
Use slow, moderate pressure over this deep muscle. Avoid forceful neck rotation or extension, and stop if the client reports dizziness, visual changes, tingling, or sharp pain that spreads into the arm.
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Massage Therapy Relevance
Splenius cervicis often works together with splenius capitis in neck stiffness and tension, particularly after poor sleep posture or prolonged desk work. Neck symptoms have many possible causes, so careful assessment matters.
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Dysfunction: What Happens When Movement Goes Wrong
Changes in how a muscle works can change how a joint moves. The points below describe possibilities that may be associated with altered muscle function; they are not diagnoses, and one muscle is never assumed to be the sole cause of a problem.
When the muscle is weak
Weakness may reduce neck extension strength and endurance and may shift work to the upper trapezius and deep neck extensors.
When it is tight or shortened
Tightness may be associated with limited neck rotation and side-bending and a stiff, aching neck.
When it is overused
Prolonged forward head posture and screen work may overload the muscle and may contribute to neck and upper back pain.
When it is strained
A strain may cause sharp neck pain and stiffness, often after an awkward sleeping position; disc and joint problems can look similar.
When it is inhibited or others compensate
Reduced activation may be associated with more work by the upper trapezius and other neck extensors.
When it does not coordinate well with synergists and antagonists
Poor coordination with splenius capitis, the deep neck extensors, and sternocleidomastoid may alter neck control and may be associated with neck symptoms.
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Conditions, Pathologies, and Pain Relationships
Neck stiffness and strain
Sudden strain or prolonged awkward posture may cause a stiff, aching neck with limited rotation.
Postural overload
Prolonged forward head posture may keep the muscle working hard and may be associated with chronic neck tension.
Trigger point referral
Tender points in the splenius group may refer pain toward the top of the head and behind the eye, though many other structures can cause similar patterns.
Differential considerations
Cervical disc and facet joint problems, cervical radiculopathy, and referred pain from the shoulder can all cause similar neck symptoms.
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Example Clinical Relationship
A client who spends long hours at a computer reports a stiff, aching neck that is worse when turning to check a blind spot while driving. Splenius cervicis may be involved along with splenius capitis, and the pattern may be associated with postural strain, but disc and joint problems can look similar. Gentle work along the neck may support comfort, while sudden severe pain, dizziness, or progressive arm weakness needs referral.
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Massage and Treatment Approaches
For healthy, non-acute tissue, position the client prone with the forehead supported, or supine with the head cradled. Begin with light effleurage over the neck and upper back, then use gentle kneading and slow strokes along the diagonal fibers, and consider gentle neck rotation and extension within comfort.
| Movement | Use gentle neck rotation, side-bending, and extension within comfort; never force the neck. |
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| Regional work | Consider splenius capitis, semispinalis cervicis, the suboccipitals, upper trapezius, and the rhomboids when assessment supports it. |
| Avoid | Deep pressure at the base of the skull, forceful rotation or extension, or any point that reproduces dizziness or arm tingling. |
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Precautions and Contraindications
Precautions and contraindications
- Recent neck injury or whiplash, suspected fracture, or instability.
- Use caution with known vertebral or carotid artery disease, severe osteoporosis, or anticoagulant use.
- Avoid sustained neck rotation and extension, especially with dizziness.
- Stop if pressure causes dizziness, visual changes, tingling, or sharp pain.
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Red Flags and When to Refer
Red flags and referral
- Sudden, severe headache or neck pain, especially after neck movement or trauma.
- Dizziness, vision changes, slurred speech, or facial numbness.
- Progressive arm weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination.
- Neck pain with fever, stiffness, or unexplained weight loss.
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Study Summary
Attachments
Origin: T3–T6 spinous processes. Insertion: posterior tubercles of C1–C3 transverse processes.
Actions
Extension, lateral flexion, and same-side rotation of the neck.
Supply
Posterior rami of C4–C8; deep cervical and transverse cervical arteries.
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Instructor Narration
Open narration transcript
Splenius cervicis is the lower part of the splenius group, working with splenius capitis above it but reaching only the neck, not the skull.
It arises from the spinous processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae and inserts on the posterior tubercles of the upper cervical transverse processes.
Both sides extend the neck, and one side tilts and turns the neck to that side. Splenius capitis and semispinalis cervicis help it, and the deep neck flexors oppose it.
The posterior rami of the lower cervical nerves supply it, roughly C4 to C8, and the deep cervical and transverse cervical arteries provide its blood.
Palpate from the upper thoracic spine diagonally up toward the upper neck, deep to the trapezius, with the client gently extending or rotating the neck. Avoid forceful movements.
Neck stiffness, postural overload, and trigger points are common, and disc, joint, and nerve root problems can overlap. Refer sudden severe neck pain, dizziness or vision changes, progressive arm weakness, or neck pain with fever.
Remember: T3 to T6 spinous processes to the C1 to C3 transverse processes; neck extension, side-bending, and same-side rotation; posterior rami C4 to C8.
Section 20 of 20