Spry Juncture, LLC
How to Evolve Gracefully
Semispinalis capitis
Region
Origin & Insertion
['Origin: Transverse processes of C7–T6', 'Insertion: Between superior and inferior nuchal lines of occipital bone']
Synergistic Muscles
['Splenius capitis', 'Trapezius']
Joints
['Cervical vertebrae']
Primary Actions
['Extension of head', 'Contralateral rotation']
Nerve & Spinal Segment
Dorsal rami of cervical spinal nerves
No plexus; cervical segmental innervation
Interesting
Longest of the transversospinalis group. [Gray’s Anatomy]
Reversal of Action
Lift thoracic cage while head is fixed
Common Dysfunctions
Postural tension, upper cervical pain
How to Stretch
Neck flexion with slight chin tuck.
Trigger Points
How to Strengthen
Prone head extension exercises.
Concentric Action
Extend head and neck
Applications:
Useful in deep neck extensor retraining post-whiplash
Eccentric Action
Control descent from extended position
Isotonic Action
Chin tucks with head extension
Related Conditions
['Neck strain', 'Tension headache']
Isometric Action
Hold head in extended posture
Exercise Ideas
['Neck prone lifts', 'Extension with band', 'Cervical diagonals']