Understanding your spine and how it works can help you better understand some of the problems that occur from aging or injury. This resource provides an overview of spine anatomy.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a neck condition that occurs when the spinal cord becomes compressed—or squeezed—due to the wear-and-tear changes that occur in the spine as we age. The condition commonly occurs in patients over the age of 50.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a "pinched nerve" occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. This may cause pain that radiates into the shoulder, as well as numbness that travels down the arm and into the hand.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
This animation describes how the many parts of the spine — including the vertebrae, intervertebral disks, and facet joints — work together to allow us to stand and move.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
The seven bones in the neck are the cervical vertebrae. They support the head and connect it to the shoulders and body. A fracture, or break, in one of the cervical vertebrae is commonly called a broken neck.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Cervical spondylosis, commonly called arthritis of the neck, is the medical term for the wear-and-tear changes that occur in the cervical spine (neck) over time. The condition is common—but many people with cervical spondylosis experience no noticeable symptoms| orthoinfo.aaos.org
The bones of your neck are connected to each other by ligaments and muscles. A sprain (stretch) or strain can occur in these soft tissues when a sudden movement, such as a motor vehicle collision or a hard fall, causes the neck to bend to an extreme position.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
