"The cervical spine is composed of two functional units –
the upper unit (atlas and axis) and the lower unit (C3–7). Of these seven cervical vertebrae, C1 (atlas), C2 (axis)
and C7 (vertebra prominens) are each unique in design,
while the remaining vertebrae (C3–6) are considered to
be typical cervical vertebrae" - http://jpurol.com/e-books/pdf/24.pdf

"Cervical treatment, including springing of the vertebrae that influence the middle and inferior cervical sympathetics, will oft times reduce some types of goitre without any manipulation directly over or around the thyroid gland." - http://www.meridianinstitute.com/eamt/files/millard/millch2....

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Note added at 4 hrs 11 mins (2005-10-02 14:18:32 GMT)
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"Springing of the vertebrae and examination of tenderness or local pressure on interspinous ligaments often are useful techniques in determining musculoskeletal function and loss of joint mobility." - http://www.emedicine.com/pmr/topic200.htm