THE ANATOMY OF THE CERVICAL SPINE
Oftentimes, following an auto accident our clients complain of neck and upper back injuries, which involves an area of the spine commonly known as the cervical region. The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, or bones, that attach to the back of the skull and travel down to the thoracic spinal region. Between these bones are discs which are oval-shaped rings of cartilage with a moist crabmeat type material inside. These discs act as cushions, absorbing the normal shock of everyday life such as jumping, running, walking, bending, twisting, lifting, etc, but not necessarily the shock of a traumatic incident. Muscles and ligaments run up and down and across the cervical spine aiding and giving support and protection to the vertebrae, the spinal cord, and the nerve roots, by absorbing forces transmitted to the head or neck. Eight cervical nerve root branching off the cervical spinal cord, travel through the vertebral canal and exit through circular openings in the vertebrae called foramen. The lower cervical nerve roots are interwoven with each other, forming the brachial plexus, a group of nerves that gives sensation and motor function to the arms and hands. The size of the foramen where these nerves exit through can vary with each individual. If the opening is narrow, then this can cause pressure on the nerve root.
After an automobile collision the muscles and ligaments in the neck can be injured due to the snapping motion of the head, or neck, commonly referred to as whiplash. The discs can suffer injury as well, such as herniation or extrusion of the disc material where the interior of the disc pushes through the cartilage ring into the spinal canal. Additionally, nerve roots can be traumatized causing neurological symptoms of pain, numbness, or tingling. The brachial plexus can be stretched or compressed causing injuries to this region too.
Any of these things can occur as a result of a significant automobile collision. Therefore, I highly recommend that you consult with a physician if you have any complaints of head or neck pain following an accident, and do so within fourteen (14) days of the collision.
Be safe out there, Chuck