Anatomy of Neck Pain

Technically, your neck is called the cervical spine, and it begins at the base of your skull. It contains 7 small bones (vertebrae), which doctors label C1 to C7 (the 'C' means cervical). The numbers 1 to 7 indicate the level of the vertebrae. C1 is closest to the skull, while C7 is closest to the chest.

In between each vertebra are tough fibrous shock-absorbing pads called the intervertebral discs. Each disc is made up of a tire-like outer band (annulus fibrosus) and a gel-like inner substance (nucleus pulposus).

Besides the bones and the discs, your neck has joints, muscles, and ligaments. They are what make your neck so moveable. They also stabilize your neck.

Your neck houses the upper part of your spinal cord, nerve roots, and an elaborate system of arteries and veins. The nerves in your neck help the brain communicate with your shoulders, arms, and chest. The arteries and veins circulate blood between the brain and the heart.

All in all, your neck is amazing and intricate. However, because it has such freedom of movement, it's at a high risk for pain and injury.