Hello, I'm Dr. Emily, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal disorders. I've been practicing for over 15 years and have extensive experience in treating neck pain and other spinal conditions.

Let's talk about the anatomy of your neck and where C5 and C6 are located.

Your cervical spine, the part of your spine that makes up your neck, consists of seven vertebrae, bones that are stacked on top of each other. Each vertebra is numbered from C1 to C7, starting from the top of your neck.

* C1, also called the atlas, is the first vertebra and sits directly beneath your skull.
* C2, also called the axis, is the second vertebra and allows your head to rotate.
* C7, the seventh vertebra, is the largest and is often referred to as the vertebra prominens because its spinous process (the bony projection at the back of the vertebra) is easily palpable.

Now, C5 and C6 are the fifth and sixth vertebrae in your cervical spine, respectively. They are located in the middle of your neck.
C5 is positioned just below C4 and above C6.
C6 is located just below C5 and above C7.

To understand their exact location, think of them like building blocks. Each vertebra stacks on top of the other, and C5 and C6 are in the middle of the stack. You can usually feel the spinous processes of these vertebrae at the back of your neck.

These vertebrae are critical for neck movement and function. They support your head, allow you to rotate and flex your neck, and protect your spinal cord.

Here's a visual analogy: Imagine your neck as a tower built with blocks. C5 and C6 are two of the blocks in the middle of the tower, holding up the structure above them and providing stability for the tower as a whole.

To summarize:

* C5 is the fifth cervical vertebra, located just below C4 and above C6.
* C6 is the sixth cervical vertebra, located just below C5 and above C7.

If you are experiencing any neck pain or discomfort, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Remember, understanding the anatomy of your neck can help you better understand your symptoms and communicate effectively with your doctor.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
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