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The Cervical Vertebrae

The spine is divided into four sections: the cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and sacral spine. The uppermost region of the spine, sitting directly beneath the skull, is the cervical spine. This section, comprised of seven cervical vertebrae, allows for the neck’s flexibility and the tilting, rotation, and other movements of the head.

Most of the cervical vertebrae differ in design from the other vertebrae. While the seventh cervical vertebrae (C7) resembles the general structure of the others, C1 through C6 either lack a spinous process or have a far less prominent one. Additionally, two of the vertebrae in the cervical spine—C1 and C2; the atlas and axis, respectively—are structured so as to provide a pivot joint for the skull.

You can read more about each cervical vertebra on the following pages:

• The C1 Vertebra
• The C2 Vertebra
• The C3 Vertebra
• The C4 Vertebra
• The C5 Vertebra
• The C6 Vertebra
• The C7 Vertebra

Vulnerabilities of the Cervical Vertebrae

As with most vertebrae in the spine, the cervical vertebrae accommodate spinal nerve roots, which emerge through special canals (called foramina). These nerve roots carry sensory information and impulse commands to and from the brain and throughout the body. The nerve roots are vulnerable to pinching or pressure in the event that an intervertebral disc—a cushion between vertebrae—becomes worn or injured to the point that a herniated disc occurs. In this case, the protruding material from the disc presses up against the nerve root, pins it against the bone, and thereby causes symptoms such as the following:

• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
• Pain in the area near the herniated disc
• Pain in areas innervated by the pinched nerve
• Loss of mobility

Treatment Options

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Other conditions, such as foraminal stenosis, spinal arthritis, or facet disease, can cause these symptoms and more. At Laser Spine Institute (LSI), we have the groundbreaking technology necessary to treat painful, debilitating spinal conditions without the pain, inconvenience, and added risks of open back surgery. Our award-winning staff of expert spine surgeons employs revolutionary laser-assisted procedures to treat ailments like these quickly, efficiently, and with a minimum of discomfort and recovery time. For more information or to arrange a free review of your recent CT scan or MRI results, contact LSI today.

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