Cervical trauma: not just another pain in the neck.
The anatomy and location of the cervical spine make it vulnerable to injury and to the cumulative effects of chronic stress and strain. Tumors (local and metastatic), arthritis, and metabolic disorders also take their toll. Trauma from accidents may not be apparent immediately, and only some time later an unusual neck motion unexpectedly precipitates pain and muscle spasm.
D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis / Q000209:etiology; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000098:blood supply