Semispinalis Muscles

Semispinalis Muscle Anatomy

a group of three muscles belonging to the transversospinales. These are the semispinalis capitis, the semispinalis cervicis, and the semispinalis thoracis.

Origin

Cervical region: made up of seven vertebrae in the neck (C1-C7) 

The thoracic region: is made up of twelve vertebrae between the neck and lower back (T1-T12)

Insertion

The semispinalis capitis inserts or attaches to the occipital bone, which is the bone located at the back base of the skull. This muscle attaches to the occipital bone between the superior and inferior nuchal lines, which are ridges located on the occipital bone.

The semispinalis capitis inserts on the occipital bone, located at the back base of the skull. occipital bone

Nerve supply

the greater occipital nerve.

Action

Extension of the head.

Outcomes for Physiotherapy

The largest muscle in the posterior neck is the semispinalis capitis. Deep to the upper trapezius are the semispinalis cervicis and capitis muscular groups.

When pain originates in this area, it’s common to misdiagnose it as a trapezius issue when in fact it’s a semispinalis issue.

The semispinalis capitis and upper trapezius are punctured by the greater occipital nerve, which innervates the posterior scalp. Sometimes the larger occipital nerve gets trapped in the semispinalis capitis perforation site, resulting in occipital neuralgia.