NECK
The neck is the part of the body on many terrestrial or secondarily aquatic vertebrates that distinguishes the head from the torso or trunk. The Latin term signifying “of the neck” is cervical. The cervical portion of the human spine comprises seven bony segments, typically referred to as C-1 to C-7, with cartilaginous discs between each vertebral body. The neck supports the weight of the head and protects the nerves that carry sensory and motor information from the brain down to the rest of the body. In addition, the neck is highly flexible and allows the head to turn and flex in all directions. From top to bottom the cervical spine is gently curved in convex-forward fashion. It is the least marked of all the curves of the column.
NECK PAIN
Neck Pain
Neck pain, although felt in the neck, can be caused by numerous other spinal issues. Neck pain may arise due to muscular tightness in both the neck and upper back, or pinching of the nerves eminating from the cervical vertebrae. Joint disruption in the neck creates pain, as does joint disruption in the upper back.
The head is supported by the lower neck and upper back, and it is these areas that commonly cause neck pain. The top three joints in the neck allow for most movement of your neck and head. The lower joints in the neck and those of the upper back create a supportive structure for your head to sit on. If this support system is affected adversly, then the muscles in the area will tighten, leading to neck pain.
Neck Pain Causes
Neck pain may also arise from many other physical and emotional health issues. Neck pain may come from any of the structures in the neck including: vascular, nerve, airway, digestive, and musculature / skeletal or be referred from other areas of the body. Major and severe causes of neck pain include:
- Carotid artery dissection
- Referred pain from acute coronary syndrome
- Infections: retropharyngeal abscesses, epiglottitis, etc.
- Spondylosis - degenerative arthritis and osteophytes
- Spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the spinal canal
- Spinal disc herniation – protruding or bulging discs, or if severe prolapse.
The more common and lesser neck pain causes include:
- Stress – physical and emotional stresses
- Prolonged postures – many people fall asleep on sofas and chairs and wake with sore necks
- Minor injuries and falls – car accidents, sporting events and day to day minor injuries
- Referred pain – mostly from upper back problems
- Over-use – muscular strain is one of the most common causes
- whiplash
Although the causes are numerous, most are easily rectified by either professional help or using self help advice and techniques. Travel-Ease™ neck support system is molded to align the cervical vertebrae to the natural contour of the neck and allow the muscles in the surrounding regions to relax. Wikipedia.org
