Cervical Spine (neck)

The cervical spine is comprised of 7 individual vertebrae designated by number from top to bottom. The upper two vertebrae have special shapes and movement but are not involved with the most common types of problems. The remaining vertebrae are generally similar to those of the thoracic and lumbar spines although smaller. The parts of the vertebrae called the "bodies" stack on top of each other creating a column which forms the front surface of the spine. Between the vertebrae are pads of cartilage called "intervertebral discs". Behind the main column, running the entire length of the spine is a tunnel for the spinal cord and nerves called the "spinal canal". Although the weight of the head which is supported by the cervical spine does not compare with the weight on lower spinal segments, there is considerable potential stress with sudden movement of the head and neck. The structure has been likened to "a bowling ball on a broomstick". Relatively powerful neck muscles provide the only available support to the cervcial spine and can substantially compress it on its long axis when they are producing or resisting sideways movements. In addition to neurological symptoms, individuals with degeneration of the cervical spine can experience "mechanical" symptoms. Alterations in the structure or movement of portions of the spine can create increasing stress on joints and soft tissues such as the discs, ligaments and muscles. Although mechanical symptoms can be brief or even non-existent, some people experience persisting or variable symptoms depending on the location and severity of the degeneration. Surgery to treat exclusively mechanical symptoms of the spine are seldom considered (unless there is some structural instability) because medical science, at present, cannot renew proper function in these structures. When appropriate, surgical procedures offer a compromise which is better for the patient than allowing the process to continue.

Herniated Cervical Disc
Cervical Spinal Stenosis