Intervertebral disk of sixth cervical vertebra

Looks like

The pad between C6 and C7: a small disc, thicker at the front, giving the neck its forward curve. A tough fibre ring surrounds a soft gel core.

What it does

Joins the two vertebrae, absorbs shock and lets this level bend and twist a little.

Keeping it well

One of the two commonest neck levels for disc bulges. A pinched C7 nerve gives pain or tingling in the back of the arm and the middle finger, with weak arm straightening.

Related conditions

• Axial spondyloarthritis
• Bone metastases and spinal cord compression
• Gout
• Haemophilia & bleeding disorders
• Lyme disease
• Marfan syndrome & connective tissue disorders
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatic fever & rheumatic heart disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Scoliosis
• Spina bifida & neural tube defects
• Spinal cord injury
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Temporomandibular joint disorder