The semispinalis cervicis is the cervical component of the transversospinalis group, bridging from the upper thoracic transverse processes to the cervical spinous processes. Its contralateral rotation action makes it important for cervical rotation control, and its bilateral action maintains cervical lordosis. It is the target of dry needling and manual therapy for suboccipital and upper cervical pain syndromes.
| Origin | Transverse processes of T2 through T6 |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Spinous processes of C2 through C5 |
| Nerve Supply | Posterior rami of cervical and thoracic spinal nerves |
| Blood Supply | Deep cervical artery |
| Actions | Bilateral: extension of the cervical spine; Unilateral: contralateral rotation of the cervical spine |
|---|
The long span from thoracic transverse to cervical spinous processes gives it a significant contralateral rotation moment arm, making it the primary decelerator of cervical rotation to the opposite side.
Semispinalis cervicis myofascial pain refers to the suboccipital region and base of the skull, contributing to cervicogenic headache patterns. Whiplash-associated disorder consistently involves the semispinalis cervicis and semispinalis capitis in the posterior cervical musculature injury pattern.
Palpable deep in the cervical paravertebral region medial to the splenius cervicis and iliocostalis cervicis, accessible between the trapezius and the cervical articular pillar.
Posterior cervical muscle injury from whiplash producing deep cervical pain with extension and rotation restriction, managed with early active mobilisation.
