The cervical spine is composed of 7 vertebrae that stretch from the base of the skull to the upper part of the thoracic spine.

The first 2 cervical vertebrae are different in shape and function, the first also called atlas, on which the skull is supported, allows the forward-backward movement of the head. The second cervical vertebra, also called axis, allows rotational movement.

The other 5 vertebrae support the weight of the head.

Around all the vertebrae there are ligaments and muscles that ensure stability and movement, as well as blood vessels and nerves. Nerves start from the base of the skull and transmit information between the brain and the body. Between the vertebrae there are the intervertebral discs with the role of cushioning the spine. Inside the spine there is the spinal marrow.

In conclusion, all vertebral structures work together to protect the spinal cord and provide stability and flexibility to the head.

Cervical muscle pains are common, caused mainly by poor posture. As the weight of the head represents about 8% of the weight of the body, somewhere between 4 and 8 kg, the neck muscles, quite small, must bear this weight. When the head is held in line with the body, it is easily supported by the neck muscle.
However, most current concerns such as phones, televisions, computers, driving the car, favor the projection of the head and neck forward, which makes the weight of the head to be felt much more by the neck muscles, which over time get tired and cause pain.

Also called small facets joints, the articular facets are small stabilizing joints, which are found at every level of the spine, except for the upper level and provide about 20% of the torsional (twisting) stability in the neck and in the lumbar spine.

The articular facets connect the vertebrae to each other and provide flexibility in the joint. Without them the movement would be rigid and limited.

The articular facets may suffer tension, become inflamed or simply become blocked (they become rigid). Joint facet syndrome is a common condition in the neck. We can wake up with pain after sleeping in a certain position or the pain can occur during the day, after an insignificant movement that can block the neck. It becomes painful and completely blocked, being impossible to move it without feeling pain.

There are structures of fibrocartilaginous nature, placed between two vertebrae. They are essential for the movement of the spine and act as a ligament, tying a vertebrae to the next, but especially have a role in the absorption of shocks significantly diminishing the impact between the vertebrae. Intervertebral discs may suffer mechanical or degenerative damage, the main cause being effort in inadequate postures.

At the cervical level there are 7 intervertebral discs, which can suffer injuries and can move between the vertebrae, the most famous term being disc herniation. Basically, the disc slips back and can penetrate a nerve thus causing numbness in the arm, more precisely on the innervation territory of that nerve.

The vertebrae, as well as the articular facets and intervertebral discs, are very sensitive to wear and osteoarthritis. The latter are normal processes that occur with aging. But their inflammation can also affect young people, a situation that becomes very painful cervical area. For a correct diagnosis, the movement in the neck is evaluated as it tends to become particularly rigid.

Ligaments are less frequently involved, but they can suffer in the case of strong movements in the neck.

1. Drug treatment is recommended for a period of 10-14 days, using antalgic, anti-inflammatory and relaxing medicie. Also, cryotherapy (ice) or thermotherapy (heat) applied topically can help reduce pain.
2. Immobilization, using soft collars that support the neck, can be used in the short term to alleviate pressure on joint structures.
3. Joint mobilization, manipulations and deep massage help relieve pain.
4. Tractions, performed under the supervision of a physical therapist, help eliminate pain especially when it is caused by irritation of the nerve roots.
5. Physical therapy, through stretching exercise programs and specific active exercises, is indicated for:

✓ pain relief,
✓ restoration of muscle function,
✓ increase of muscle tone, thus stabilizing a correct posture
✓ preventing muscle overload and respectively preventing relapses.

➢ Be active, introduce light physical exercises in your daily activity to prevent pain occurence, joint stiffness and improve muscle tone. Regular exercise helps maintain proper neck posture.
➢ Apply heat topically, 15-20 minutes, beneficial both in preventing and removing muscle contracture
➢ If there already is inflammation, apply ice locally, 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times a day. Always put a towel between the ice and the area on which it is applied.
➢ Assume a correct posture, change the posture or activity frequently, each 20-30 minutes, to prevent the appearance of stiffness
➢ During sleep, the head must be in a neutral position, have a pillow under it
➢ Assume a correct position at the desk, place the computer so that you do not have to tilt the head forward too much.