Anatomy of the Cervical Spine
The cervical spine anatomy or cervical vertebrae as it is commonly known has in all seven vertebrae that starts from the skull and reaches to the thoracic vertebrae. The first two vertebrae of the cervical spine are known as atlas and axis respectively and are the most important part of the spine. The other five cervical vertebrae are orderly named as C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7 respectively.
Cervical Vertebrae Functions & Responsibilities
All the cervical vertebrae are made of cylindrical bones in their respective vertebral bodies. The spine rests behind the bones. The atlas and axis or the first two vertebrae C1 or C2 are the most important in the cervical spine as they combined together share important responsibilities of supporting the skull where it attaches to the neck as well as it allows the movement or rotation of the head.
The vertebrae column from C3 to C6 provides protection to the spinal cord and as well as give mobility to the spinal column and also to the body.
Common Cervical Vertebrae Disorders
Cervical vertebrae disorders exist in the cervical spine that consists of the upper seven vertebrae. These seven vertebrae are responsible for the protection as well as encasing of the spinal cord. Usual cervical spine disorder occurs when the cervical vertebrae that consists of muscles, bones, ligaments as well as joints suffers from an injury or a traumatic experience.
Some common cervical vertebrae disorders include:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Occipito-cervical junction
- Cerebrovascular disease
Treatments
Usually specialist prefers to treat cervical spine disorder through conservative treatment options like massage, exercises, stress management, physical therapy, electrical stimulation, epidural injections, chiropractic as well as acupuncture. However, it is possible that these remedies may provide only a little respite from the pain but since nerves are involved in this problem surgery may be most likely needed.
