Musculi interspinales cervicis
The interspinales are short muscles that run between the caudal border of one spinous process and the cranial border of the next. They extend individual vertebral segments and assist the multifidus in segmental stabilization. The cervical portion (interspinales cervicis) performs the same function in the neck and also contributes proprioceptive feedback. Innervation is segmental via the dorsal branches of the spinal nerves. These small muscles are part of the deep stabilization system of the spine.
Origin: Caudal border of one cervical spinous process
Insertion: Cranial border of the next caudal cervical spinous process
Action: Extends individual cervical segments; fine segmental control
Innervation: Dorsal branches of cervical spinal nerves (segmental)
Rarely a primary clinical problem. They can be affected by spinal trauma or as part of broader back or neck pain. Dysfunction may contribute to reduced segmental mobility or proprioceptive deficits.
## Overview Cervical kissing spines refers to impingement or overriding of the dorsal spinous processes in the neck region. While the classic and far more common form of kissing spines occurs in the
Persistent neck or back stiffness or reduced ability to bend after trauma should be evaluated rather than assumed to be simple muscle tightness.
## Overview Cervical kissing spines refers to impingement or overriding of the dorsal spinous processes in the neck region. While the classic and far more common form of kissing spines occurs in the thoracic spine under the saddle, similar close approximation of spinous processes can occasionally be identified in the cervical vertebrae. Clinical significance is determined by correlation with pain, stiffness, or neurologic signs rather than imaging alone. ## Causes Congenital variation in spinous process spacing, repetitive loading, or secondary remodeling from chronic postural change can bring the processes into contact. The evidence specific to the cervical region is limited compared with the thoracic spine. ## Diagnosis Radiographs may show narrowed interspinous spaces or contact. Clinical examination for neck pain, reduced mobility, or muscle atrophy is essential. Advanced imaging can further characterize the lesion when needed. ## Treatment Management mirrors thoracic kissing spines when the finding is clinically relevant: rest, anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy to restore mobility, and, in selected cases, local injection or surgical intervention. Many radiographic changes are incidental. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis is good when the finding is incidental or mild. Significant impingement with pain may require longer rehabilitation. ## Prevention Balanced training and maintenance of neck mobility may reduce secondary remodeling. Signs include: neck stiffness or pain; reduced range of motion; muscle atrophy over the affected area; performance resistance
Rarely a primary clinical problem. They can be affected by spinal trauma or as part of broader back or neck pain. Dysfunction may contribute to reduced segmental mobility or proprioceptive deficits.
Persistent neck or back stiffness or reduced ability to bend after trauma should be evaluated rather than assumed to be simple muscle tightness.
See the Interspinales Cervicis on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model