Cervical Spine Anatomy The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae, as shown here. The complexity of the neck allows it great mobility. The two motions of the spine that we're concerned about are flexion (Figure B) and extension (Figure C).

Fig B.

Fig. C

Each vertebra has what are called facet joints in the rear portion of the vertebrae. These facet joints provide a stable base for extension.

Each joint has a normal range of motion that varies widely between individuals. Any joint motion beyond this normal range would be expected to stretch or even tear the ligaments that hold the vertebrae together. Therefore, looking at the just the overall motion of the spine, any motion within those ranges would be very unlikely to cause injury. That's why many professionals find low speed whiplash injuries hard to believe, since the total head extension is within those ranges considered normal. Researchers were confused at how people could be injured in low speed crashes, until a few different groups of scientists decided to look not at the gross motions of the spine, but to examine the actual movements of each individual vertebra. Next chapter: Detailed Spinal Motion Analysis.

 

 

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