Parts of Cervical Spine
The cervical spine anatomy comprises of seven vertebrae. C1 and C2 vertebrae are called atlas and axis and are quite specialized whereas C3 to C7 are vertebrae are the more classic ones and they do not just have a body but also laminae, facet joints, pedicles and spinous process. C1 and C2 are known as the specialized vertebrae as they are responsible for mobility in the skull to a great degree; they also form a set of unique articulation. In the cervical spine anatomy almost 50% of the neck flexion extension takes place between C1 and occupit as well as 50% of the neck rotation also takes place between C1 and C2.
The cervical spine is quite different as well as more mobile than the lumbar (lower back) as well the thoracic region of the spine. In fact cervical spine has a unique feature which means that it contains transverse foramina in each of the vertebrae. These transverse foramina for the vertebral arteries supply blood to the brain.
Cervical Spine Injuries and Pain
Cervical pain or more commonly known as neck pain is usually the result of a trauma or fracture in the cervical vertebrae. Most of the time these cervical spine injuries are a result of a fall, or an accident that results in the jarring of the head. Apart from this serious cervical injury can result in damaging the spinal cord that does not just cause cervical spine pain but can also result in impaired functioning that will depend on the part of the cervical vertebrae that has been injured.
Cervical Treatments for Injuries and Pain
Usually doctors specializing in cervical injuries and back disorders prefer to take up a conservative treatment option for cervical pain as well as disorders. These cervical neck treatment options include physiotherapy, exercises, massage therapy, chiropractic, epidural injections, medications like NSAIDs, neck braces as well as acupuncture.
