The seven bones of the spinal column in your neck (cervical vertebrae) are connected to each other by ligaments and muscles—strong bands of tissue that act like thick rubber bands.

Nerves are fragile and can be damaged by pressure, stretching, or cutting.

In the world of contact sports, such as football, hockey, soccer or basketball, a common cervical injury affecting the neck and upper body is the stinger.

Life's demands create stress, and although some stress may be good, too much can cause health problems.

It’s sometimes called a neck strain or sprain, though not all neck strains and sprains are whiplash.