Splenius Cervicis

The Splenius cervicis is a posterior muscle of the neck.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the spinous processes T3 through T6 vertebrae.
• Insertion: Attaches to the posterior tubercles of the transverse process of C1, C2, C3 or C4 vertebrae.

Action: Collectively, with the Splenius capitis, extends, or hyperextends the head and neck; and laterally flexes and rotates head to the ipsilateral side.

Synergist: Semispinalis capitis and cervicis, Splenius capitis, 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: Lateral branches of the dorsal primary divisions of the middle and lower cervical nerve.

Vascular supply: The muscular branches of the occipital and superficial branch of transverse cervical arteries.

• Primary: The pain refers cephalad to the occiput, through the cranium, behind the orbits on the ipsilateral side and cephalad to the base of the neck.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Levator scapulae, and Posterior cervical muscles.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Cranium, eye and neck pain, stiffness in neck, blurring of vision.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Sleeping with their head in an awkward position, sudden cooling of the muscles, Acceleration/Deceleration injury (Whiplash), and prolonged forward and lateral head flexion.

Differential Diagnosis: Degenerative disc disease, (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) C2 or C3 radiculopathy (Bulging Prolapsed, Herniated Disc), Occipitoatlantal dysfunction, Acceleration/Deceleration injury (Whiplash syndrome), Military neck (Absence of normal cervical spine lordosis), Cervical Spine Hyperlordosis, Scoliosis, Intervertebral or Vertebral stenosis, Vertebral vascular disorder, Cerebrovascular disorder, Cerebral neoplasm, Cerebral aneurysm, Subacute meningitis, Polymyalgia rheumatica, Temporal arteritis, Giant cell arteritis, Fibromyalgia, Migraine headaches, Tension headache, Spasmatic torticollis (Wryneck syndrome), Polymyositis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Eye strain, Cervical arthritis, Cervical syndrome, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Tetanus, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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