The Splenius Cervices muscle

Introduction

Splenius cervicis muscle is a paired back muscle found in the prevertebral space of the neck (Muscles on Back Of Neck).

The Splenius cervicis muscle is one of the deep muscles of the cervical and thoracic spine. Its fibers run superiorly and laterally. It assists in ipsilateral(same side) cervical side flexion and rotation when both splenius cervicis muscles contraction causes extension of the cervical spine.

Origine:

The Splenius Cervices originate from the spinous processes of vertebrae T3 to T6

Insertion:

The Splenius Cervices are inserted over the transverse processes of vertebrae C1 to C3 or C4.

Blood supply :
the blood supply of splenius Cervicis is the vertebral, occipital, superior intercostal, deep cervical, and transverse cervical arteries.

Nerve supply :
the splenius Cervicis muscles nerve supply are posterior rami of the middle cervical spinal nerves and lower cervical spinal nerves

Action :
The Splenius Cervices do lateral flexion of the neck and rotation of the neck to the same side.

The Common conditions that affect the muscles which include:

• Splenius Cervices muscle Spasms: Spasm also known as muscle cramps, muscle spasms occur when a muscle contract and can’t relax. Most spasms are short, lasting only for a few seconds. But you might have a sore or stiff neck afterward.
• Splenius Cervices muscle Strains: A muscle strain is an injury to the muscle or the tendon. It occurs due to overstretching or tearing the muscle fibers.
• Whiplash: If your head suddenly moves forward and then whips backward, you can injure

Exercise for the Splenius Cervices muscle

Chin tuck
Sit straight and look straight ahead with the ears directly over the shoulders.
Place a finger on the chin.
Without moving the finger, pull the chin and head straight backward until a good stretch is felt at the base of the head and top of the neck.
Hold for 5 seconds if possible.

Splenius cervicis muscle stretch
Stand or sit upright
Keep your head up facing straight ahead
Push your head forward side by sticking out your chin
Note: Keep your head up during this stretch. Do not let your chin fall towards the floor.

Neck extension over the couch
Lying face down with your head hanging over a couch, keep your chin tucked, and hyper-extend your neck by taking it above the horizontal. You can feel the muscles at the back of your lower neck contracting. This serves as a useful strengthening exercise for your neck muscles.