Cervical Spine (Neck)

Problems

This is the most mobile part of the spine. The blood supply for the head flows through it. If it is damaged, first the flowing out of blood may be insufficient and later also the flowing in, which influences the inner pressure in the head and eyes. This is shown by headaches, worsened memory, lowered analytical performance of the brain, nervousness, tiring easily, worsened eyesight and especially an acute increase in hearing difficulties, and also by a strange toothache, although the teeth seem quite all right.

At first we feel a chronic pain in the neck, connected with the tingling of hands, and later we observe a weakening of the arms.

Anatomy 101

For illustration, let us take a look at the anatomy of the cervical spine. The joints between the scull and the first cervical vertebra (atlas) are flat. The joint between the 1st and the 2nd cervical vertebra (axis) has a dens in it  (odontoid process), growing from the 2nd vertebra. That allows us to turn our head as we want to. There is no cartilage between the skull, the 1st and 2nd cervical vertebra, which is an excellent construction but can cause great difficulties.

The composition of bones of the cervical spine vertebrae differs from that of the lumbar spine. The cervical vertebrae are lighter, but they endure a far greater load than the lumbar vertebrae. In adults, they have uncovertebral joints (they are not found in children); on an X-ray they look like strange bone outgrowths (in the lower posterior body of the vertebra). That is where a chronic inflammation may form, causing headaches, difficulties in moving etc.

It is only in cervical spine that both of the spinal vessels (arteries) are closed in bone tunnels. This gives them great protection on the one hand but on the other it causes considerable problems. The cervical spine is dangerous for a herniated disc or spondylolistesis (change of the mutual position of vertebra caused by their sliding, which is associated with the weakening of the facet joints or muscles along the spine), as the spinal canal has no leeway.

Please note that it is necessary to do all the exercises very carefully and lightly. Do not force them. At the same time pay attention to your feelings during the exercise. If you do not feel relief and a healthy sensation but rather pain, you should consult a neurosurgeon and possibly ask for an x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging.

1) a-d) Head turning – in sitting position: Drop the head forward and start turning it by 360° to the side where the neck doesn’t hurt and then to the other side – 9 times each. During this exercise you use only the weight of the head.

2) Sit down and do this exercise 9 times in a row once a day: From an upright position (2 a) stretch upwards and backwards at the same time (2 b).

3) Lie on your back, raise your head and hold for 1 minute. Do this exercise 1 hour before going to sleep and before getting up in the mornings. (This exercise will help those who suffer from neck pains similar to what you feel when you have tonsillitis.)