What is the cervical spine?

What is the cervical spine?

Your cervical spine consists of seven bones (vertebrae) in your neck, starting just under your skull. Between each vertebra are discs that cushion the bones so they don’t rub together. A strong network of muscles and ligaments holds the vertebrae in place and gives your neck strength and flexibility.

Your cervical spine supports your head and allows you to move and rotate it. Nerves in your cervical spine branch out to your body, controlling many bodily functions like breathing and upper body movement.