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                         Cervical Vertebrae

cervical vertebrae

The cervical vertebrae (C1-C7) are the first seven vertebrae connecting the base of the skull to the rest of the spine. Like the rest of the spine, between each cervical vertebra there is a shock-absorbing pad called a disk. These disks, along with the structures of the cervical vertebrae, allow the human neck to be a highly mobile region of the body.
Structurally, the first two cervical vertebrae (C1-C2, or the atlas and axis, respectively) are substantially different due to their role in supporting the weight of the human skull. As is the case with the thicker, stronger lumbar vertebrae at the base of the spine, cervical vertebrae are specialized to fulfill their function of granting people painless, continuous mobility of the neck and upper spine. Cervical vertebrae are further supported by a network of tendons, muscles, and ligaments which all work in tandem to provide additional support.
Unfortunately, neck pain is one of the most common causes for people to miss work. Long hours of stationary positioning (typical in office work) can cause chronic tension and deprive neck muscles of oxygen. This in turn can cause spasms, which can compress nerves that run through the spinal canal. Since the neck is so highly mobile and painless operation is a crucial component of quality of life, patients are advised to take measures to reduce the incidence of neck pain. Regular exercise—even simply pausing to roll the neck and shoulders once an hour—can restore oxygen and nutrition to neck muscles. Light aerobic activity is also recommended for 5-10 minutes per hour of stationary work.
Should neck pain become chronic, surgical procedures may be prescribed. Patients should be especially mindful of neck pain that shoots down into the arms or legs, as this may indicate nerve damage. Be certain to obtain thorough medical consultation, however, given that surgery on highly mobile regions of the body can have negative long-term effects. Healthy dieting, nutritional supplements, and regular installments of physical therapy can help aid patient recovery during post-operative care. Several post-operative checkups may also be necessary to monitor any structural changes within the cervical spine.