What is splenius colli?

Splenius colli is a muscle located in the back of the neck. It is a thick, broad, and flattened muscle that extends from the vertebrae of the upper neck down to the middle of the back. The muscle is divided into two parts: splenius capitis, which is located in the upper neck, and splenius cervicis, which extends down to the middle of the back.

The primary function of splenius colli is to extend the neck and rotate the head. It also helps in maintaining the proper posture of the neck and head. The muscle is innervated by the posterior rami of the spinal nerves C4 to C8.

Splenius colli is commonly affected by muscle strain or injury due to conditions such as poor posture, overuse, or trauma. Symptoms of a strained splenius colli muscle can include neck pain, tenderness, stiffness, and difficulty moving the head and neck. Treatment may include rest, pain-relieving medications, physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgical intervention.