The neck is connected to the upper back through a series of seven vertebral segments.

The neck begins at the base of the skull and through a series of seven vertebral segments connects to the thoracic spine (the upper back). With its complex and intricate construct, and the many stresses and forces that can be placed on it through a trauma or even just daily activities, the cervical spine is at risk for developing a number of painful conditions.

The Cervical Spine: Roles and Functionalities

The cervical spine performs several crucial roles, including:

Housing and protecting the spinal cord. A bundle of nerves that extends from the brain and runs through the cervical spine and thoracic spine (upper and middle back) prior to ending just before the lumbar spine (lower back), the spinal cord relays messages from the brain to the rest of the body.

Supporting the head and its movement. The cervical spine literally shoulders a big load, as the head weighs on average between 10 and 13 pounds. In addition to supporting the head, the cervical spine allows for the head’s flexibility, including rotational, forward/back and side bending motions.

Facilitating flow of blood to the brain. Vertebral openings (vertebral foramen) in the cervical spine provide a passageway for vertebral arteries to pass and ensure proper blood flow to the brain. These openings are present only in the vertebrae of the cervical spine.

Above credited to Paul J. Slosar, MD

Vertebrae are the 33 individual, interlocking bones that form the spinal column. Each vertebra has three main functional components: the vertebral body for load-bearing, the vertebral arch to protect the spinal cord, and transverse processes for ligament attachment. The spinal column consists of seven cervical, twelve thoracic, and five lumbar vertebrae in addition to five fused vertebrae of the sacral region and four fused vertebrae forming the coccyx. The vertebrae in each region have unique features that help them perform their main functions. Vertebrae are interconnected by facet joints that allow mobility in the spine. Intervertebral discs separate the individual bones providing additional weight-bearing support.