• Atla / Axis - C1 and C2 supports the head. Atlas vertebra (C1) pivots on Axis (C2) to allow the head to rotate. If damaged can lead to full paralysis and often fatal.

Symptoms:

• Inability to breath and need assistance from a ventilator.

• They lose feeling below the level of injury.

• Paralysis in the arms, hands, legs, and torso.

• Limited neck and/or head movement.

Treatment:

• Surgery

• Prescription Drugs

• Physical Therapy

C3 Vertebrae

C2 and C3 is a junction where flexion and extension occur. Injury here will limit mobility in both flexion and extension.

Symptoms:

• Limited range of motion.

• Loss of diaphragm function.

• Requirment of a ventilator for breathing.

• Paralysis in arms, hands, torso, and legs.

• Trouble controlling bladder and bowel function.

Treatment:

• Fusing the spine and decompressing the nerves around the spinal cord.

• The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs may help the patient regain some sensory and or motor function.

• Physical therapy.

For all three areas - Causes / Preventions:

• Trauma, such as sports related injury / Play safe

• Car accidents / Drive with caution

• Slip and fall / Watch your step, be aware of your surroundings

• Diseases

• Tumors

• Infections

Some injuries are unpreventable, although protecting your neck can save you from damaging the cervical vertebrae which if harmed can cause your life to change.

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/physical_medicine_and_rehabilitation/spinal_cord_injury_85,P01180/

http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spine-anatomy/cervical-nerves