07/05/2025
“The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae (C1-C7) in the neck region, playing a crucial role in:
1️⃣ Supporting the head
2️⃣ Facilitating neck movements (flexion, extension, rotation)
3️⃣ Protecting the spinal cord
The cervical spine consists of:
⏺️ 7 vertebrae:
C1 (Atlas), C2 (Axis), C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7
⏺️ 6 intervertebral discs:
Between each vertebra, from C2-C3 to C6-C7
⏺️12 facet joints:
2 facet joints at each level, from C2-C3 to C6-C7
⏺️Ligaments:
Various ligaments provide stability, including:
🔸 Anterior longitudinal ligament
🔸 Posterior longitudinal ligament
🔸 Ligamentum flavum
🔸 Interspinous ligaments
🔸 Supraspinous ligament
⏺️ Muscles:
Key muscles include:
🔸 Sternocleidomastoid
🔸 Scalene muscles (anterior, middle, posterior)
🔸 Suboccipital muscles (re**us capitis posterior major, re**us capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis inferior, obliquus capitis superior)
🔸 Cervical paraspinal muscles (semispinalis cervicis, multifidus, rotatores)
Understanding cervical spine anatomy is crucial as it helps therapists:
✅ Assess and diagnose conditions (e.g., herniated discs, whiplash)
✅ Develop targeted exercise programs
✅ Apply manual therapy techniques
✅ Educate patients on proper posture and body mechanics
Common physical therapy interventions for cervical spine conditions include:
◽ Neck stretches and exercises
◽ Postural correction
◽ Manual therapy (joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization)
◽ Strengthening exercises for neck and shoulder muscle
Dr Aqsa Riaz Physiotherapist Tahir medical complex haroonabad
