The Cervical Spine: The Framework of Your Neck
Your neck is made up of seven bones called vertebrae.
These vertebrae are labeled C1 through C7.
Each vertebra sits on top of the one below it, forming a flexible column that supports the head and allows movement.
Your cervical spine is responsible for several important functions:
• Supporting the weight of the head (about 10-12 pounds)
• Allowing movement in many directions
• Protecting the spinal cord
• Creating exit points for spinal nerves
Because the neck must balance mobility and stability, it is particularly vulnerable to strain and injury.
Intervertebral Discs: The Shock Absorbers
Between most of the vertebrae sit intervertebral discs.
These discs act like small cushions that absorb shock and allow movement between the bones.
Each disc has two main parts:
Annulus fibrosus
A tough outer ring made of fibrous tissue.
Nucleus pulposus
A softer, gel-like center that helps absorb compression.
When discs are healthy, they allow the neck to bend and rotate smoothly.
However, discs can become injured or degenerate over time. When the inner material pushes outward, it can irritate nearby nerves — a condition commonly called a disc herniation.
Disc problems in the neck can lead to:
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Arm pain
• Tingling or numbness in the hand
Facet Joints: The Small Joints That Guide Movement
Behind each vertebra are two small joints called facet joints.
These joints help control how the vertebrae move against each other.
Facet joints allow movements such as:
• Looking up
• Looking down
• Turning your head
• Tilting your head sideways
Like other joints in the body, facet joints can become irritated, inflamed, or stiff.
Facet joint irritation is actually one of the most common causes of neck pain.
Chiropractic care often focuses on improving movement in these joints through precise spinal adjustments.
The Spinal Cord and Nerves
Running through the center of the cervical spine is the spinal cord, a bundle of nerve tissue that connects the brain to the body.
Between each pair of vertebrae, spinal nerves exit through small openings called foramina.
These nerves travel to the shoulders, arms, and hands.
If something irritates or compresses one of these nerves, it can cause symptoms such as:
• Arm pain
• Burning or shooting pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
This is often referred to as cervical radiculopathy, or a “pinched nerve” in the neck. Explore types of neck pain and what they mean.
Muscles and Ligaments: The Support System
Your neck also relies on a complex network of muscles and ligaments to maintain stability.
Muscles allow movement and help support posture.
Ligaments are strong connective tissues that stabilize the joints.
In modern life, many people spend hours each day:
• Looking down at phones
• Working at computers
• Sitting with poor posture
Over time, these habits place extra stress on the muscles and joints of the neck, often leading to:
• Muscle tension
• Joint stiffness
• Reduced mobility
• Chronic neck pain
Why Neck Problems Are So Common
The neck must support the head while also allowing a wide range of motion.
This combination of high mobility and constant load makes the cervical spine vulnerable to problems such as:
• Muscle strain
• Joint irritation
• Disc injuries
• Nerve compression
• Postural overload
In many cases, these problems develop gradually due to repetitive stress rather than a single injury.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Neck Pain
Discover neck pain treatment that actually works.
Chiropractors specialize in assessing and treating conditions of the spine and musculoskeletal system.
One of the most common treatments used by chiropractors is spinal manipulation, often called a chiropractic adjustment.
This treatment is designed to:
• Restore normal joint movement
• Reduce irritation in spinal joints
• Decrease muscle tension
• Improve overall neck mobility
Research shows that spinal manipulation can be an effective treatment for certain types of neck pain and headaches that start in the neck.
Chiropractors may also combine spinal adjustments with:
• Soft tissue therapy
• Exercise rehabilitation
• Postural education
• Activity modification
The goal is not only to relieve pain, but also to improve how the neck functions and prevent future problems.
When to Seek Care for Neck Pain
Occasional stiffness can happen to anyone.
However, it may be time to seek professional care if you experience:
• Neck pain lasting more than a few days
• Pain that spreads into the shoulder or arm
• Numbness or tingling in the hand
• Frequent headaches
• Difficulty turning your head
Early treatment often helps prevent small problems from becoming chronic conditions.
The Bottom Line
Your neck is a remarkable structure that balances strength, flexibility, and protection of the nervous system.
When the bones, discs, joints, nerves, and muscles work together properly, the neck moves smoothly and pain-free.
When one part of the system becomes irritated or dysfunctional, it can quickly lead to discomfort.
Understanding how the cervical spine works helps explain why neck pain develops — and why targeted treatments like chiropractic care can be effective.
Evidence and Sources
Binder AI. Cervical spondylosis and neck pain. BMJ. 2007.
Hurwitz EL et al. Treatment of neck pain: noninvasive interventions. Spine. 2008.
Bronfort G et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of neck pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2010.
Côté P et al. The burden and determinants of neck pain in workers. European Spine Journal. 2008.
Return to our main guide on neck pain relief in Fredericton.