The cervical curve in the neck is supposed to be a “C” shape. There are 7 vertebrae or bones in the neck spine: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7. The first vertebrae, or C1 is also know as the atlas, and C2 is known as the axis.
If I look at a “lateral” cervical spine (meaning from the side) x-ray- the spine should be in the shape of a “C”.
If I look at a “AP” cervical spine (meaning from the front) x-ray- the spine should be straight up and down, with no curves.
In between each of the bones, are the cervical spinal nerves, labels as in the diagram below as C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, and C8.
The cervical spine is very important because it encompasses and protects the spinal cord, holds up the head and skull and also allows us to move our head: forward (flexion), look back (extension), bend from side to side (lateral flexion) and turn our head from side to side (rotation).
Protection of the spinal cord is extremely important: messages from the brain travel through the spinal cord, out via nerves- innervating muscles, organs, blood vessels- this system controls how we walk, talk and basically do all of daily functions.
What do these cervical nerves control? They control certain areas of the head, neck and upper back, including the arms and hands. More specifically:
- C1: Head and neck
- C2: Head and neck
- C3: Diaphragm
- C4: Upper body muscles (e.g. Deltoids, Biceps)
- C5: Wrist extensors
- C6: Wrist extensors
- C7: Triceps Muscle
- C8: Hands
Often times we see a loss of the cervical curve, also known as a “loss of cervical lordosis” or “military” neck.
Doctors often prescribe cervical traction to help get the curve back into the spine. This involves home traction and also using pillows that will provide gentle traction while sleeping.
Also surrrounding the cervical spine are tendons, ligaments and muscles- they allow for movement and prevent us from doing certain motions to prevent injury and pain.
So there you have it- hopefully you understand the significance of the cervical spine- and why it is so important. The cervical spine is composed of bones c1-c7, nerves c1-c8, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Wrapping your head around all the complexities and functions of the cervical spine- can be a daunting task.
Additional Resources:
- Neck Pain resulting from a C5, C6, C7, or C8 Radiculopathy- Understanding the symptoms of a radiculopathy, causes and treatment
- How to End Neck Pain by Doing a Cervical Traction Protocol at home
- Neck Posture: Optimal Posture for the C-Spine
- Improve your posture and Sleep Better with the Right Neck Pillow
- Loss of cervical curvature- "military neck"
- Why Posture Is the Window to Your Health
