Your cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae that align vertically from the base of your skull to your thoracic spine. This area also contains a complex network of nerves and arteries that send messages and oxygen-rich blood to your brain. While this region may seem small, it is solely responsible for supporting your head and enabling your neck to move fluidly. Its flexibility also makes your cervical spine extremely vulnerable to injury. Cervical spine injury rehabilitation efforts typically focus on reducing pain and restoring range of motion.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most common and effective ways to treat an injured cervical spine. Injuring your cervical spine can make it difficult and painful to move your head and neck. Physical therapists attempt to reduce pain by rehabilitating the muscles that surround and support the vertebrae. Your physical therapist will walk you through a variety of gentle strengthening and stretching exercises. Strengthening exercises are designed to strengthen weakened neck muscles, making it easier for those muscles to support the weight of your skull. Stretching exercises are designed to help loosen tight neck muscles, making the muscles more flexible and easier to move. Your physical therapist may also include activities aimed at encouraging correct posture. Improving your posture can help alleviate any excessive pressure placed on nearby nerves, the University of California-San Francisco explains.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Some mild cervical spine injuries can benefit from chiropractic adjustments, according to the American Chiropractic Association. When performing an adjustment, a chiropractor will move one or more of the joints in your cervical spine to promote proper alignment and improve your spinal function. Chiropractic adjustments are not necessarily a safe and effective way to treat every cervical spine injury, however; check with your doctor before seeking treatment from a chiropractor.
Medication
Depending on the nature and severity of your cervical spine injury, your doctor may recommend taking medication to help relieve your pain. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help ease mild to moderate pain and reduce inflammation. Pain that is more severe may require the use of more powerful, prescription-strength medications like opiates or muscle relaxers. Your doctor may also choose to address your pain by injecting corticosteroids or numbing medications directly into the affected area. For some patients, injections provide stronger, longer-lasting pain relief than medications taken orally.
Surgery
If your cervical spine injury is severe or if more conservative types of treatments have not succeeded, your doctor may recommend you undergo surgery. Surgery is often used to address issues such as ruptured disks, herniated disks, pinched nerves and spinal stenosis. Cervical spine surgery can involve some serious risks including bleeding, nerve damage, infection and spinal cord damage, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons cautions.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Neck Pain: Treatments and Drugs; Feb. 17, 2010
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons; Cervical Spine; February 2006
- University of California-San Francisco: Cervical Stenosis: Treatment
- American Chiropractic Association: Chiropractic and Neck Pain: Conservative Care of Cervical Pain, Injury
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