The adjective cervical , which comes from the Latin cervicālis , is used to describe what is linked to the cervix : the dorsal sector of the neck . In the case of humans, the cervix is made up of seven vertebrae, as well as various muscles.
The cervical vertebrae are short bones that are articulated with each other. They are located between the skull and the thoracic vertebrae and provide support for the head and mobility for the neck.
The two upper cervical vertebrae form the upper cervical spine , while the remaining five make up the lower cervical spine . Due to their particular morphology, the two upper cervical vertebrae have identifying names: atlas (the first vertebra, which articulates with the occipital bone of the skull ) and axis (the second vertebra). The rest of the cervical vertebrae are similar, although the seventh is known as the prominent vertebra because it is longer.
At a general level, in the structure of the cervical vertebrae it is possible to recognize the body (with six faces and the uncinate process), the vertebral foramen, the transverse process, the articular process and the spinous process.
If a person refers to neck pain , they will therefore be referring to discomfort in the neck area. This disorder can be caused by poor posture or sudden movement. Sometimes the individual cannot even move their neck.
Specifically known as whiplash is the damage that occurs to the neck due to a sudden and violent impact or movement. Whiplash can be caused by a car crash, for example.
In order to protect neck pain, many people use what is known as a cervical pillow. This, which is used for sleeping, has the advantage that it not only corrects the position of the spine but also ensures that it remains in the appropriate position.
Headaches, tension and even back discomfort can also be avoided by using this type of pillow, which brings with it another series of advantages. We are referring to the fact that they allow better rest, considerably increase the quality of sleep...
There are several types of cervical pillows that we can find. Specifically, these are the most important: feather, fiber; viscoelastic, which are also known by the name memory foam, and latex.
When purchasing one, you must do so taking into account the following criteria:
-It must offer good ventilation.
-It is recommended that it have rounded and raised edges.
-It must be resistant.
-It must be endorsed by a firm of recognized prestige in the sector.
-It must be purchased taking into consideration the measurements of the head and neck of the person in question as well as whether they sleep on their back or side.
Within the field of health and medicine, the term cervical mucus is also used. This term is used to refer to the viscous substance that is produced in the cervix and that comes out through the vagina in the form of a discharge.