The cervical Spine (neck) supports the weight of your head and protects the nerves that come from your brain to the rest of the body. This section of the spine has seven vertebral bodies (bones) that get smaller—and provide more rotation—as they get closer to the base of the skull.
Most episodes of acute neck Pain are due to a muscle, ligament or tendon strain, which is usually caused by a sudden force (e.g. whiplash) or from Straining the neck (e.g. sleeping in the wrong position).
If you have neck pain that lasts longer than 2 weeks to 3 months, or with predominant arm pain, numbness, or tingling, there is often a specific anatomic abnormality causing the symptoms, such as a herniated Disc, Spinal stenosis, etc.
While neck pain (in the cervical spine) is less common than lower back pain (in the lumbar spine), millions of people experience neck pain and/or related arm pain at some point in their life.
The vast majority of episodes of neck pain will get better with time and can be addressed with non-surgical treatments. However, there are a few symptoms that are possible indications of a serious medical condition and patients with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
Neck anatomy is a well-engineered structure of bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments and tendons. The cervical spine (neck) is delicate – housing the spinal cord that sends messages from the brain to control all aspects of the body – while also remarkably flexible, allowing movement in all directions, and strong.
Contact the Clinic on 0404 80005 for an assessment.
