02 9252 5770

Book now

Request a call back

Chat to Us

We are Open and we are all vaccinated!
Sydney Physio Solutions
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Physiotherapy
    • Telehealth Appointments
    • Pilates / Online Exercise Classes
    • Sports Injury Treatment
    • Massage Therapy
    • Men’s Health Physiotherapy
    • Women’s Health Physiotherapy
  • Programs
    • Building Better Backs
    • Building Better Hips
    • Building Better Knees
  • Locations
    • Macquarie Street
    • Castlereagh Street
  • Benefits
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Videos
    • Physiotherapy News
    • Press & Media
  • BOOK NOW
  • 02 9252 5770
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Physiotherapy
    • Telehealth Appointments
    • Pilates / Online Exercise Classes
    • Sports Injury Treatment
    • Massage Therapy
    • Men’s Health Physiotherapy
    • Women’s Health Physiotherapy
  • Programs
    • Building Better Backs
    • Building Better Hips
    • Building Better Knees
  • Locations
    • Macquarie Street
    • Castlereagh Street
  • Benefits
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Videos
    • Physiotherapy News
    • Press & Media
  • BOOK NOW
  • 02 9252 5770

Home » Cervical Spine & Neck Pain

June 15, 2018  |  By Dr Brad McIntosh In Uncategorized

Cervical Spine & Neck Pain

Cervical spine structure

  • The cervical spine begins at the base of the skull and is comprised of 7 vertebrae (C1 through C7), 7 cervical discs, and 8 pairs of cervical nerves.
  • The cervical vertebrae are designed to support the skull, protect the spinal cord, and allow movement of the head.
  • The first two cervical vertebrae, known as the Atlas (C1) and Axis (C2) have different features than C3-C7. The atlanto-occipital joint (between the skull and C1) provides the majority of flexion for the neck. The atlanto-axial joint (between C1 and C2) is where the majority of neck rotation occurs.
  • Facet joints are formed where the vertebra above makes contact with the vertebra below. As the neck is flexed, extended, rotated and side bent, these joints move in a sliding motion.

 

Cervical spine function

  • There are many muscles and ligaments that attach to the cervical spine. Ligaments act to restrict excessive movement of the spine. Muscles act to forward flex, rotate and side bend the spine. Some muscles act to produce large movements of the head and neck, while others play an important role in postural stability.
  • Discs are found between each vertebra and act as a cushion. They are comprised of a softer inside portion called the nucleus pulposus, and a fibrous outer ring known as the annulus fibrosus. 
  • At each vertebral level, a pair of spinal nerves exits the spinal column through an opening called the intervertebral foramen. These nerves supply motor and sensory function to the head, neck, upper limbs, and diaphragm.

Potential sources of neck pain

  • Muscular tension, often related to poor posture or an injury, can cause neck pain and restricted movement.
  • Disc injury can cause neck pain, and if the injury is large, it may press on nerves and cause pain extends down the arm.
  • Arthritis can develop in the joints of the cervical spine, causing pain and possibly restricting movement

Tips for a healthy cervical spine

  • Maintaining good posture throughout the day minimizes the stress placed on all the structures of the neck. Developing good postural habits may be the single most important factor for preserving the health of the cervical spine.

 

At Sydney Physiotherapy Solutions our highly qualified physiotherapists specialise in the assessment, treatment and prevention of neuromusculoskeletal injuries.

Contact us today – 9252 5770

This handout was prepared by Sydney Physiotherapy Solutions and is intended as a general information service. Please note that the information provided is not intended as a substitute for advice from a registered physician or healthcare professional. If symptoms persist, please consult your doctor.

Author

Dr Brad McIntosh

Although he is one of the most experienced and sought after Doctors of Physiotherapy in Australia, Brad makes all his patients feel like they are #1.

He also leads his team of caring reception staff and expert physiotherapists with the same degree of passion, which is why Sydney Physio Solutions has built the outstanding reputation it has.

Managing Director BSc (ExSci) MPT (Physio) DPT (Physio) CSCS APAM MSMA

See author's posts

Share this:
Previous StoryMen’s Health – Prostate
Next StoryTendonitis and Tendinopathy – What is the Difference?

Related Articles

  • Top Ten Tips For Marathon Recovery
  • Top Ten Tips For Marathon Preparation

Book Online

Make A Booking

ABOUT US

Sydney Physiotherapy Solutions is trusted for the knowledge and experience of it’s staff members. We have physiotherapists who are experts in specific areas of the body so if you are searching for a physiotherapist, see an expert, not a generalist.

We have two physiotherapy clinics in Sydney CBD. All our clinics are staffed by highly qualified and expert physiotherapists whose motivation is to find the cause of your problem & return you to pre-injury fitness as soon as possible.

CATEGORIES

ARCHIVES

Contact Form

    MACQUARIE STREET

    Sydney Physiotherapy Solutions
    Level 1, 139 Macquarie Street
    Sydney 2000
    Tel : 02 9252 5770
    Email : reception@ssop.com.au

    CASTLEREAGH STREET

    Sydney Physiotherapy Solutions
    Level 8, 155 Castlereagh Street
    Sydney 2000
    Tel : 02 9264 4153
    Email : castlereagh@ssop.com.au

     

    Australian PhysioTherapy Association
    cq5dam.thumbnail

    Copyright ©2022 sydneyphysiosolutions.com.au. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy

    Request a call back