Glossary: Cervical 

Cervical:

From the base of the skull to the tailbone runs a long and flexible column of bones known as “vertebrae” that, among other things, serves to protect the spinal cord. This important column of bone is commonly referred to as the “spine” or the “backbone.” The human spine is comprised of three sections, and one of which is known as the “cervical spine.” Generally speaking, the cervical spine is the upper section of the spine. It includes seven vertebrae beginning at the base of the skull and ending toward the bottom of the neck near the collarbone and shoulders.  

While the vertebrae that make up the cervical spine protects the upper spinal cord from sustaining serious injury, the cervical spine itself may become injured due to sudden and traumatic blunt force trauma. Common cervical spine injuries typically include cervical radiculopathy, herniated disks, cervical spinal cord injuries, and cervical spinal fractures. These types of cervical spine injuries, and others, may occur as the result of a motor vehicle accident, especially those that involve whiplash. 

Common indications of a cervical spine injury include, but are not limited to, severe upper back or neck pain; numbness in the upper back, neck, arms, hands, or fingers; a loss of sensation in the arms or surrounding areas; and other life-altering symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

Someone who has sustained a cervical spine injury in a New York State motor vehicle accident may be entitled to compensation your pain, suffering, and medical-related expenses.