Cervical Spine Anatomy and Neck Pain

[Shahid]

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. This is we are going to share information on the anatomy of this one of the most important parts of our body and its relationship with the neck pain. Comments and opinions are welcome to improve the forum and make it more informative and fruitful for everyone.

[Shahid]

Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD in his article published on the website: www.spine-health.com writes:
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 force 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, such as:
- Cervical degenerative disc disease
- Cervical herniated disc
- Cervical stenosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Simple muscle strain resulting in a painful or stiff neck.

[Shahid]

Causes and Risk Factors of Neck Pain
Pain located in the neck is a common medical condition. Neck pain can come from a number of disorders and diseases of any tissues in the neck. Examples of common conditions producing neck pain are degenerative disc disease, neck strain, neck injury such as in whiplash, a herniated disc, or a pinched nerve. Neck pain can come from common infections, such as virus infection of the throat, leading to lymph gland swelling and neck pain. Neck pain can also come from rare infections, such as tuberculosis of the neck and bone infection of the spine in the neck (osteomyelitis and septic discitis), and meningitis (often accompanied by neck stiffness). Neck pain can also come from conditions directly affecting the muscles of the neck, such as fibromyalgia and polymyalgia rheumatica. Neck pain is also referred to as cervical pain.

Risk factors for neck pain include injury from involvement in contact sports, motor vehicle accidents, bull or bronco horse riding, etc. Prevention of neck pain in the context of these activities should include neck strengthening exercises and often neck bracing.

[ref: http://www.medicinenet.com/neck_pain/article.htm]

[iceiscool]

Here are simple techniques to prevent neck pains: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nec...ION=prevention