Musculi intertransversarii
The intertransversarii are short muscles that run between the transverse processes of neighboring vertebrae. They are present throughout the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and caudal (tail) regions. Their main actions are small degrees of lateral flexion of individual spinal segments and contribution to proprioceptive feedback. In the neck (intertransversarii cervicis) they help with precise head and neck positioning. In the tail they allow fine side-to-side movements. They work with larger muscles such as the multifidus and longissimus to stabilize and control the spine. Innervation is segmental from the spinal nerves of the corresponding region.
Origin: Transverse process of one vertebra
Insertion: Transverse process of the adjacent vertebra
Action: Lateral flexion of individual spinal segments; proprioceptive stabilization
Innervation: Dorsal and ventral branches of spinal nerves (segmental)
Isolated injury is rare. Dysfunction is usually secondary to spinal pain, arthritis, or neurologic disease. Atrophy or asymmetry can be seen with chronic neck or back issues. These muscles are part of the deep stabilizer system.
## Overview Spinal stiffness and proprioceptive loss result from atrophy or dysfunction of the deep spinal stabilizer muscles. Horses show generalized back stiffness, poor lateral flexibility, subtle
Stiffness or reduced ability to bend the neck or back one way may involve these deeper stabilizers. Have persistent asymmetry or reluctance to flex evaluated.
## Overview Spinal stiffness and proprioceptive loss result from atrophy or dysfunction of the deep spinal stabilizer muscles. Horses show generalized back stiffness, poor lateral flexibility, subtle incoordination, and difficulty with precise lateral movements. Stiffness is often worse when cold and may improve with targeted mobilization. ## Causes Chronic back pain leading to multifidus atrophy, or primary neurologic disease. ## Diagnosis Clinical observation and neurologic examination. Imaging rules out structural lesions. ## Treatment Targeted mobilization and core-strengthening exercises. Treat any underlying pain. ## Recovery and Prognosis Improves with consistent rehabilitation. ## Prevention Early treatment of back pain and inclusion of core work. Signs include: generalized back stiffness; poor lateral flexibility; subtle incoordination; difficulty with precise lateral movements; worse when cold
Isolated injury is rare. Dysfunction is usually secondary to spinal pain, arthritis, or neurologic disease. Atrophy or asymmetry can be seen with chronic neck or back issues. These muscles are part of the deep stabilizer system.
Stiffness or reduced ability to bend the neck or back one way may involve these deeper stabilizers. Have persistent asymmetry or reluctance to flex evaluated.
See the Intertransversarii on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model