What is the primary movement of the cervical spine?

The primary movement of the cervical spine is flexion and extension, which refers to the forward and backward bending of the neck. This movement is crucial for various everyday tasks such as looking up and down while maintaining proper alignment and posture. In addition to flexion and extension, the cervical spine also allows for other movements like rotation and lateral bending, but these are secondary in comparison to the primary actions of flexion and extension.

The cervical spine is designed for mobility and flexibility, and its structure, including the intervertebral discs and facet joints, facilitates a significant range of motion. Understanding the primary movements helps in assessing neck functionality and diagnosing potential issues related to mobility or pain that may arise from injury or degeneration.