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C 1-C7 Vertebrae & Facet Joints

The cervical (or neck) segment of the spine is comprised of the first seven vertebrae, known as C1-C7. These vertebrae are responsible for providing the neck with its flexibility and twisting ability, as well as supporting the weight of the head. The reason the C1-C7 vertebrae are flexible is due in large part to joints called facet joints.

The uppermost vertebrae in the cervical spine, however – the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) – have joint structures that are totally unique from the rest of the spine:

• The C1, or atlas, is the top vertebra. It connects the skull to the spine via the atlanto-occipital joint, which primarily allows the nodding of the head up and down.
• The C2, or axis, is the second vertebrae. The C1 and C2 vertebrae connect via the atlanto-axial joint, and this joint allows the shaking of the head up and down.

The C3-C7 vertebrae, like many vertebrae in the spine, have two pairs of facet joints, two on the top and two on the bottom. These facet joints connect the vertebrae together, giving the neck stability, strength, and a wide range of motion. In addition, the C1-C7 vertebrae are cushioned by soft intervertebral discs that absorb much of the motion in the neck.

However, a number of painful, uncomfortable problems can arise in any cervical facet joint, such as:

• Degenerative facet joints
• Spinal stenosis
• Facet disease
• The presence of bone spurs or infection
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Pinched nerves
• Facet joint osteoarthritis

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It is a fact of life that as we age, our spinal anatomy naturally degenerates, which may gradually cause pain and stiffness. Most of these symptoms can be managed non-surgically with the help of a physician. Although, in a small segment of the population, neck problems may become severe enough to warrant surgery.

Laser Spine Institute (LSI) offers a number of minimally invasive, endoscopic spine procedures to address many problems with a facet joint. And unlike traditional open neck surgery, our outpatient surgeries?are laser-assisted to provide our patients pain relief without hospitalization or lengthy rehabilitation. To learn more about endoscopic spine surgery, and to receive a free review of your MRI or CT scan, contact LSI today.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.