Musculus splenius cervicis
The splenius cervicis is a broad flat muscle on the side of the neck. It originates from the spinous processes of T3-T5 and the funicular part of the nuchal ligament and inserts on the transverse processes of C3-C5. Its actions are to extend the neck when acting bilaterally and to produce lateral flexion when acting unilaterally. It is innervated by dorsal branches of cervical spinal nerves. It works with the splenius capitis to maintain head and neck posture during all gaits.
Origin: Spinous processes of T3-T5 and the funicular part of the nuchal ligament
Insertion: Transverse processes of C3-C5
Action: Extends the neck (bilaterally); lateral flexion (unilaterally)
Innervation: Dorsal branches of cervical spinal nerves
Atrophy or dysfunction can contribute to poor head carriage or reduced neck strength. Relevant in evaluations of neck function and after trauma.
## Overview Neck muscle spasm is involuntary tightening of the cervical muscles, producing a hard, painful band, restricted lateral bend, and reluctance to stretch the neck forward or down. It is com
## Overview Whiplash-type injury is sudden hyperextension or hyperflexion of the neck from flipping over backward, getting cast, or a trailer accident. It strains muscles such as the splenius and can
Loss of neck strength or difficulty elevating the head after illness or trauma should be evaluated. Balanced work helps maintain function.
## Overview Neck muscle spasm is involuntary tightening of the cervical muscles, producing a hard, painful band, restricted lateral bend, and reluctance to stretch the neck forward or down. It is common in horses that resist poll flexion, carry chronic tension, or have been in a pulling accident. ## Causes Overuse, acute strain, compensatory guarding, or pain from the cervical spine. ## Diagnosis Palpation of taut muscle, range-of-motion testing, and exclusion of more serious cervical pathology. ## Treatment Rest, anti-inflammatories, heat, massage, and gradual stretching once acute pain settles. Address any underlying cervical or training issue. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for uncomplicated spasm. ## Prevention Proper warm-up and balanced training that does not force poll flexion. Signs include: hard tight muscle on palpation; restricted lateral bend; reluctance to stretch the neck down; shortened stride; resistance to bridling
## Overview Whiplash-type injury is sudden hyperextension or hyperflexion of the neck from flipping over backward, getting cast, or a trailer accident. It strains muscles such as the splenius and can damage ligaments or vertebrae. Signs include acute neck pain and stiffness, reluctance to move the neck, swelling, head tilt, and heat. ## Causes Sudden forceful neck movement. ## Diagnosis Clinical examination and radiographs or advanced imaging to rule out fracture. ## Treatment Rest, anti-inflammatories, and gradual mobilization once fracture is excluded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for soft-tissue injuries. Guarded if vertebrae or the spinal cord are damaged. ## Prevention Safe handling to reduce rearing and falling. Signs include: acute neck pain and stiffness; reluctance to move the neck; swelling along the side of the neck; head tilt; heat on palpation
Atrophy or dysfunction can contribute to poor head carriage or reduced neck strength. Relevant in evaluations of neck function and after trauma.
Loss of neck strength or difficulty elevating the head after illness or trauma should be evaluated. Balanced work helps maintain function.
See the Splenius Cervicis on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model