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 Chiropractic Review: Primary Spinal Anatomy

 Chiropractic and Neck Pain: Conservative Care of Cervical Disorders
Arn Strasser, DC
Chiropractor
Strasser Chiropractic Center
Portland, Oregon, USA
Medical content is copyright 2000-2006 spineuniverse.com

Even a brief survey of the cervical spine highlights its exquisite construction. Seven delicate vertebrae make up the bony structure of the neck, cushioned by the same disc material as is found in our low backs. These discs, made up of concentric circles of fibrous material with a firm, gel-like center, act as shock absorbers for the considerable mechanical demands placed on the neck.

spinal level
Primary Spinal Anatomy
The image above is a general illustration of spinal
anatomy and is not an exact replica of the cervical spine.

Strong ligaments along the front and rear of the body of the vertebrae along with additional ligaments between the vertebrae's bony prominences bind the vertebra together. These ligaments also have a neurological function: nervous elements in ligaments help the brain to know where the body is in space.

ligaments
Spinal Ligaments
The image above is a general illustration of the spine's
ligaments and is not an exact replica of the cervical spine.

Continue this article...


Chiropractic and Neck Pain: Conservative Care of Cervical Disorders
Spinal Fractures
Relieving Back and Neck Pain in Those Hard to Reach Places
Cervical Pain: Description and Diagnosis
What Kind of Training Do Chiropractors Receive?
Structural Components of the Spine
Article written 08/05/2005
Published online 08/20/2004
Last updated 03/08/2005

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