A healthy neck spine provides strength, is flexible, and allows movement in several planes. Seven vertebrae make up the cervical spine with eight pairs of cervical nerves (C1 through C8) Between each vertebra in the cervical spine are discs which act as cushions or shock absorbers and also permit some movement between the vertebral bodies. A complex system of ligaments, tendons, and muscles help to support and stabilize the cervical spine. Muscles also help to provide spinal balance and stability, and enable movement.
The cervical nerves control many bodily functions and sensory activities.
- C1 controls the head and neck
- C2 controls the head and neck
- C3 and C4 controls the diaphragma, and plays an important role in respiration
- C5 controls muscles like the Deltoids and the Biceps
- C6 controls the wrist extensors and also provides some innervation to the Biceps
- C7 controls the muscles Triceps
- C8 controls the hand
When cervical nerves are irritated, neck pain and other symptoms may ensue, with functioning possibly affected in different ways.
Neck pain is one of the most common problems that one encounters every day life. Neck pain can be caused by a number of factors, including muscle strain, ligament sprains, arthritis, or a “pinched” nerve.
The muscles of the neck and shoulders are, in part, responsible for maintaining the integrity of the cervical spine and, as such, it is widely believed that strength training of the neck muscles may help in reducing neck or cervical joint paint. The poor posture causes a loss of flexibility in the major muscle in front of the shoulders decreases the mobility of the cervical spine, and causes loss of strength of the scapular muscles, making it nearing impossible to maintain good posture.
Goals of physical Therapy:
- Reducing pain
- Restoring muscular flexibility, joint mobility, and spine motion
- Strengthening muscles
- Posture correction
- Teach how to maintain the new postures
- Returning to normal activities
Physical therapy at Sulypont Pain and Rehabilitation Clinic in Budapest includes both passive and active treatments.
In the active part of physical therapy, your therapist will teach you various exercises to work on your flexibility, strength, stability, and range of motion.
Your physical therapy program is individualized, taking into consideration your health and history.