Neck Problems

Your neck bones are called cervical vertebrae. Cervix is the Latin word for neck meaning a constricted area. You have seven small neck bones or cervical vertebrae, numbering C-1 to C-7 from top to bottom. C-1 has a special name-the atlas, because, like Atlas in mythology, it balances a globe, your skull. C-2, the axis, permits neck movement in many different directions. All the vertebrae work together to balance your head and protect your spinal cord, a continuation of your brain. That is extremely important because a spinal cord injury can result in paralysis or death. Your vertebrae are connected to each other by muscles, ligaments, and discs that help give the neck its curve. Between the vertebrae are little openings called intervertebral foramina where nerves, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and other tissues are found.  

Nerve Problems 

Cervical nerves can become irritated, inflamed or pinched causing head, neck, face, shoulder, elbow, arm, writs, hand and finger pain; numbness, pins and needles; increased sensitivity or other symptoms.  The most common cause of nerve, blood vessel and spinal cord pressure is a condition chiropractors call a vertebral subluxation, a slightly msaligned vertebra causing nerve stress.