Upper back

The upper spine, often referred to as the cervical spine or the neck spine, comprises the first seven vertebrae of the spine, labeled C1 to C7. This segment of the spine supports the head, allows for its mobility, and includes important anatomical structures that protect the spinal cord and related nerve pathways. The cervical spine is the most mobile part of the entire spine. It enables the head to turn, nod, and tilt sideways. Structurally, it consists of smaller vertebrae than other parts of the spine, which allows for greater flexibility, but this also makes it more prone to injury and wear. Common issues in this part of the spine include pain from poor posture, degenerative disc changes, disc herniations, and injuries from accidents or falls.

How can physiotherapy help you?

Physiotherapists specialize in treating various conditions and issues affecting the upper spine. Some of the most common problems they encounter include:

• Cervical radiculopathy: a condition where one or more nerves exiting the cervical spine become compressed or irritated. This can cause pain, weakness, or numbness in the arms.
• Cervical spondylosis: a degenerative condition that causes wear and tear of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs in the cervical spine, leading to pain and limited mobility.
• Muscle tension and myofascial syndromes: often a result of prolonged poor posture or stress, leading to tension and pain in the neck muscles.
• Whiplash: this injury typically occurs after a car accident, where the head is forcibly thrown forward and backward, causing damage to muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae.
• Tension headaches: often originating from tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back, these headaches can cause a feeling of pressure around the head.
• Disc herniation: a condition where a bulging or ruptured intervertebral disc presses on nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.