Patient Info - Neck

There are a number of common conditions that may result in pain being felt in the neck region. Below you will find a list of common neck conditions. The information within is not meant as a substitute to treatment and should the symptoms remain it is important that you seek help from a qualified health professional.

The neck or cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae and connects your skull to your body. The cervical vertebrae enclose the spinal cord which contains the nerves that innervate your entire body from the neck down.

The main functions of the cervical spine include :

1.     Protecting the spinal cord.
2.     Supporting the head and its movement.
3.     Facilitating flow of blood to the brain.

The cervical spine is a very mobile region of your body, predisposing it to injury. Injury may occur as a result of direct force such as a head knock, but may also occur as a result of indirect force in the case of whiplash. The cervical spine is also vulnerable to injury if abnormal postural loads are applied to it for prolonged periods of time.