Fifth cervical vertebra

Looks like

A typical lower neck vertebra (C5) at about the level of the voice box.

What it does

Supports the neck and protects the cord; the C5–C6 disc below it takes a lot of movement.

Keeping it well

One of the most common levels for disc wear and pinched nerves, giving pain to the shoulder and outer arm.

Related conditions

• Acromegaly
• Fractures
• Fragility fracture
• Frailty & falls in older age
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Neck pain and cervical spondylosis
• Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease)
• Osteomalacia & rickets
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Osteoporosis
• Paget's disease of bone
• Sarcoma
• Vitamin B1, C and other deficiencies
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Whiplash
• Wry neck (torticollis)