Neck & Spine Anatomy, Health, and Treatment Options
When it comes to neck and spine injuries, it’s necessary to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. These sections protect the nerves so any injury could potentially lead to loss of mobility or excruciating pain. Sun City Orthopaedic & Hand Surgery Specialists offers all-encompassing care to patients who are suffering from neck and spine injuries. We offer our assistance to patients in the Southwest region.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Neck
Odds are you’ve woken up with a sore neck after sleeping in an uncomfortable position. After a few hours, this pain may dissipate but there are other injuries that require medical attention. The neck joins the head to the shoulders and chest. As the start of the spinal column and spinal cord, The spinal cord, jugular veins and carotid arteries as well as part of the esophagus, larynx, and vocal cords are housed or pass through the neck. Neck pain and stiffness can occur due to overuse, wear and tear, and injury. In many cases, the neck pain can spread to other parts of the body such as the shoulders, upper back, and arms. The neck includes bones, joints, discs, muscles, and ligaments. All of these areas can face injury.
The Importance of Your Spine’s Anatomy
The spine runs from the base of your skull all the way down your back. It is made up of 24 vertebrae, the sacrum and coccyx. Due to its length, the spine is divided into four regions. The topmost section is the cervical spinal cord. This section connects the brain to the spinal cord. The cervical spinal cord consists of seven vertebrae which are commonly referred to as C1-C7. The next section is known as the thoracic spinal cord and it forms the middle of the entire spinal cord. This section is made up of 12 vertebrae which are numbered T1-T12. The following section is known as the lumbar spinal cord and it is the lower region. This area is where the spinal cord begins to bend and it is made up of five vertebrae, which are numbered L1-L5. The lowest section, known as the sacral spine, is triangle-shaped and includes five vertebrae.
Services Provided by Our El Paso Team Relating to Neck Pain or Injury
Anterior Cervical Discectomy
Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion
Cervical Fusion Surgery
Neck Strain
Services Provided by Our Team Relating to Spine Injury
Corpectomy
Foraminotomy
Minimal Access Discectomy
Kyphoplasty
Laminectomy
Vertebroplasty
Spine disorders
Scoliosis
Sciatica
Peripheral Nerve Disorders
Herniated Disc
Back Pain
It’s Time to Take Care of Your Neck & Spine Injuries
When it comes to neck and spine injuries, it’s important to understand the severity of what you may be facing. Neck injuries may require physical therapy or surgery to treat. Spine injuries are more drastic and require more prudent medical assistance. Spine injuries are split up into two general categories. Incomplete spinal cord injuries refer to any injury in which the cord is only partially severed while complete spinal cord injuries refer to injuries in which the cord is fully severed. Incomplete injuries allow the victim to retain some function while complete injuries eliminate function. If you’re in the El Paso area, Sun City Orthopaedic & Hand Surgery Specialists is ready to help. Contact us today.