Origin
Spinous processes of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae.
Insertion
Spinous processes of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.
Blood supply
Occipital artery, vertebral artery, posterior intercostals arteries, lumbar arteries.
Nerve supply
Spinal nerves – posterior rami.
Action
It helps to bend the back.
Disease/Injury
If the muscle is injured along with other back muscles, it leads to forward head, in which the normal curve of the backbone in the neck area changes as the vertebrae in the neck gets closer.
Muscle Exercise
To correct forward head, do neck retraction stretch. Stand straight with feet apart, keep both hands on hip and bend the chin down, but the shoulders should be pulled back. Then pull your neck back as much as you can, hold it for some time and then relax.
Interesting fact
This muscle also contributes to back hump.
