Semispinalis Cervicis

The Semispinalis cervicis is a deep muscle of the back.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the transverse processes of T1 through T6, and to the articular processes of C4 through C7 vertebrae.
• Insertion: Attaches to the spine of C2 through C5 vertebrae.

Action: Extends and rotates the head to the contralateral side and also extends the ribs.

Synergist: Semispinalis capitis, Splenius capitis and cervicis, Spinalis cervicis, Interspinales, Longissimus cervicis, Iliocostalis cervicis, Multifidus.

Antagonist: Sternocleidomastoid, Longus colli and capitis, Scalenus anterior, medius and posterior.

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Nerve Supply: Dorsal primary rami of the spinal nerves; C5, C6, and C7.

Vascular supply: Collectively, the muscular branches of the posterior intercostals, the descending branch of the occipital and the deep cervical branch of the costocervical trunk supply the Semispinalis capitis, cervicis and thoracis.

• Primary: The pain refers to the neck and the occipital region.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Trapezius, Digastric, and Infraspinatus.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Headaches, tenderness over back of head and neck, numbness, tingling and burning pain in the scalp.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Acute trauma, chronic stress, acceleration/deceleration injury, postural stressors, persistent neck and shoulder contraction, neck immobilization (cervical collar).

Differential Diagnosis: Degenerative disc disease, (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 or C7 radiculopathy (Bulging Prolapsed, Herniated Disc), Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Intervertebral or Vertebral stenosis, Vertebral vascular disorder, Cerebral aneurysm, Cerebral neoplasm (Brain cancer), Tension headaches, Cluster headaches, Occipitoatlantal articular dysfunction, Military neck (Absence of normal cervical spine lordosis), Cervical Spine Hyperlordosis, Scoliosis, Rib Subluxation (Slipping Rib Syndrome), Cervical arthritis, Cervical syndrome, Subacute meningitis, Polymyalgia rheumatica, Polymyositis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Acceleration/Deceleration injury (Whiplash), Tetanus, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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