Cervical Spine

The Cervical Spine

The cervical spine refers to the neck. The cervical spine begins at the base of the skull and serves as a bridge between the brain and the rest of the body. While a strain or sprain of the cervical spine may result in acute neck pain that gets better in time, a larger problem with the cervical spine often results in chronic neck pain.

Cervical spine anatomy consists of seven vertebral bodies (C1-C7). Irritation to any of these vertebrae in the neck may lead to different types of cervical spine pain. Examine the cervical spine, what conditions may cause a cervical spine injury, and when cervical spine surgery may be necessary in the following resources.