The cervical spine consists of the first seven vertebrae  (C1-C7) in your spine. It provides support for the weight of your head, surrounds and protects your spinal cord, and allows for a wide range of head motions: Flexion-Bending Forward Extension-Backwards, Lateral Flexion-Sideways and Rotation

Vertebrae C1 to C7 are connected at the back b joints called facet joints, which allow for the forward, backward and twisting motions of your neck.

The first vertebra (C1), also called the atlas, is a ring-shaped bone that begins at the base of your skull and holds your head upright. Your second vertebra (C2), also called the axis, allows the atlas to pivot against it for the side-to-side ‘no’ rotation of your head.

Your cervical spine is also surrounded by muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments. “Shock-absorbing” intervertebral disks are positioned between each vertebra. Your Spinal cord runs through the center of your entire spine. Your spinal cord sends and receives messages from your brain, which controls all aspects of your body’s functions.

Many conditions affect this area of your spine, including neck pain, arthritis, degenerative bone and disk disease and stenosis.