Understanding Your Cervical Spine

You may not have even realized there’s another name for your neck, or that the bones that allow you to turn, twist and tilt your head are all part of your spine.

The cervical spine includes the first seven vertebrae at the top of your spinal column. Each vertebra has a name, labeled as C1 through C7, to help your doctor precisely identify and diagnosis your neck pain and its cause. Between each of these vertebrae are spongy discs that provide your neck the flexibility and cushion it needs to move freely and easily from side to side. 

Your entire spinal column – including your cervical spine – protects your spinal canal. This hollow opening allows the spinal cord and nerves to pass from your brain to all other parts of your body and is key in helping control body movements. An injury to your neck that damages your spinal column can be very serious and, in some cases, fatal.

Neck Pain

Neck pain can come from many causes: A night of tossing and turning; a sudden injury to the neck or a degenerative condition that worsens with age. You may even feel pain in symptoms in other parts of your body, like muscle spasms, stiffness or pain in your shoulders, arm or lower back.

Soft tissue injuries (those that affect the muscles, tendons and ligaments around the neck) are some of the most common neck injuries. These injuries are also often the quickest to heal. 

Common neck injuries also include:

• Cervical stenosis
• Spinal fusion
• Spinal cord injuries
• Spondylolisthesis
• Degenerative disc disease 

Diagnosing Neck Pain

Neck pain, injuries and conditions can range from mild discomfort to serious medical emergencies that require immediate attention. If you have mild neck pain that doesn’t improve in a few weeks after self-care at home or you are experiencing serious pain that interferes with daily activities, contact the St. Elizabeth Spine Center.