## 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.
neck stiffness or pain; reduced range of motion; muscle atrophy over the affected area; performance resistance
## 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.
neck stiffness or pain; reduced range of motion; muscle atrophy over the affected area; performance resistance