The cervical longissimus is the intermediate column of the erector spinae in the neck, connecting the upper thoracic transverse processes to the cervical transverse processes. It provides the sustained extensor force that maintains cervical lordosis against the weight of the head throughout the day, making it a primary target of fatigue and myofascial pain in individuals with prolonged forward head posture.
| Origin | Transverse processes of T1 through T5 |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Posterior tubercles of transverse processes of C2 through C6 |
| Nerve Supply | Posterior rami of cervical and upper thoracic spinal nerves |
| Blood Supply | Deep cervical artery |
| Actions | Extension of the cervical spine; Ipsilateral lateral flexion of the neck |
|---|
As a long-lever extensor connecting the thorax to the cervical spine it provides powerful cervical extension force compared to the shorter multifidus and semispinalis segments.
Longissimus cervicis tightness from forward head posture is a primary driver of upper thoracic and lower cervical pain. EMG studies show prolonged longissimus cervicis activation during sustained computer work, contributing to fatigue and trigger point development at C2-C5 levels.
Palpable in the posterolateral neck adjacent to the cervical articular pillar, deep to the semispinalis cervicis.
Fatigue-related trigger point development from sustained forward head posture producing lower cervical and upper thoracic pain, managed with postural correction and cervical strengthening.
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