Splenius Cervicis

The splenius cervicis muscle is located on the posterior neck and upper back and lies deep to the trapezius and rhomboids and superficial to the splenius capitis and levator scapulae. It connects the spinous processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae to the transverse processes of the upper cervical vertebrae. The splenius cervicis shares its attachments on the cervical transverse processes with the levator scapula posteriorly and the scalenes anteriorly.

The fiber orientation of the splenius cervicis—vertical and slightly oblique—makes it a powerful extensor and weak rotator of the cervical spine. It is a direct synergist to the splenius capitis in cervical extension and lateral flexion but has less leverage for rotation than its more obliquely oriented counterpart. The splenius cervicis muscle is part of a complex system of stabilizers and prime movers of the posterior cervical spine. 

Both the splenius cervicis and splenius capitis are part of a larger system of intrinsic back muscles that span the entire posterior trunk from the pelvis to the head. These muscles vary in size and span, functionally providing stabilization and movement of the vertebral column. Muscles are divided into a medial tract that includes the spinalis, interspinales, semispinalis, rotatores, and multifidi muscles, and a lateral tract that includes the longissimus, iliocostalis, splenius capitis, splenius cervicis, intertransversarii, and levatores costarum muscles. Where the muscles of the medial tract lie deep and close to the midline, those of the lateral tract, including the splenius cervicis, lie more superficially and insert more laterally. The two splenii muscles form the spinotransverse system of the lateral tract as both originate on spinous processes and have fibers that run laterocranially to transverse processes.

Since the splenius cervicis is intermediate in size and depth, it functions both in maintaining posture and as a prime mover, particularly for cervical extension. As such, poor endurance or excessive tension in this muscle may contribute to postural deviations in the head and neck as well as chronic pain conditions such as headaches, neck pain, and trigger-point activation. Proper balance of endurance and flexibility in the splenius cervicis relative to other associated muscles maximizes cervical alignment and function.

Palpating Splenius Cervicis

Positioning: client supine.

1. Sitting at the client’s head, place both hands palm up under the client’s neck. With the fingertips, find the spinous processes of T3–6.
2. Laterally slide fingertips into the lamina groove.
3. Follow the oblique muscle fibers on the same side toward the cervical transverse processes.
4. The client gently resists, looking up and rotating the neck to ensure proper location.

Passive Stretch of Splenius Cervicis

Positioning: client supine.

1. Sit at the head of the table and hold the back of client’s head with the palms of both hands.
2. Gently tip the client’s head toward their shoulder while the client remains relaxed.
3. Maintain the client’s face up to prevent cervical rotation initially.
4. Passive cervical rotation or flexion may be added to increase the intensity of stretch.
5. Repeat on the other side.