Where is C7 vertebrae located?
neck
Unique Vertebra: C7
When feeling the back of the neck, the C7 vertebra’s spinous process (bony hump) sticks out more than the other cervical vertebrae. C7 is the bottom of the cervical spine and connects with the top of the thoracic spine, T1, to form the cervicothoracic junction—also referred to as C7-T1.
What part of the body does C7 affect?
C7 helps control the triceps (the large muscle on the back of the arm that straightens the elbow) and wrist extensor muscles. The C7 dermatome goes down the back of the arm and into the middle finger. C8 helps control the hands, such as finger flexion (handgrip).
What is C7 in anatomy?
The 7th cervical (C7) vertebra is the largest and most inferior vertebra in the neck region. Unlike the other cervical vertebrae, the C7 has a large spinous process that protrudes posteriorly toward the skin at the back of the neck.
What happens when C7 is damaged?
Symptoms of a C7 Spinal Cord Injury
Symptoms of a C7 SCI include: Burning pain in the shoulder blade and/or back of the arms (triceps) Some ability to extend shoulders, arms, and fingers but dexterity may be compromised in the hands and/or fingers. Lack of control of their bowels and bladder.
What is the significance of C7?
The C7 represents the bottom of the cervical spine and connects with the top of the thoracic spine, T1, to form the cervicothoracic junction, also referred to as C7-T1. Thus, the C7 marks the level of transition from the dynamic cervical segment to the relatively inflexible thoracic segment of the vertebral column (1).
How is a C7 fracture treated?
Immobilization. Using a neck brace or collar after an acute injury, such as fracture, may help promote healing of tissues and prevent further injury. Physical therapy. Physical therapy can help strengthen neck muscles, improve posture, and increase range of motion after a C6-C7 motion segment injury.
What muscles does C7 control?
Cervical nerve 7 controls your triceps and wrist extensor muscles. C7 provides sensation to the back of your arm into your middle finger. Cervical nerve 8 controls your hands and gives sensation to the pinky side of your hand and forearm.
What fingers are affected by C7?
C7 radiculopathy.
Tingling, numbness, and/or pain may be felt down the arm and into the middle finger. Weakness may be experienced in the back of the upper arm (triceps).
What muscles are attached to C7?
Muscle attachments
Trapezius, spinalis capitis, semispinalis thoracis, multifidus and interspinales all attach to the tubercle of the spinous process.
What helps C7 pain?
Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are used to treat pain stemming from C6-C7. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, tramadol, and/or corticosteroids are a few examples of pain-relieving medications that may be used.
What is another name for C7?
Vertebra prominens is the name of the seventh cervical vertebra. The 7th cervical vertebra (C7) is the largest and most inferior vertebra in the neck region.
Is a C7 fracture serious?
C7 Spinal Cord Injury: What to Expect in the Aftermath & Recovery Process. Often, cervical spinal cord injuries are the most severe and can result in quadriplegia or paralysis of all four limbs.
How long does it take for a C7 fracture to heal?
It is usually a very stable fracture and does not produce any neurologic deficits. It typically heals with 6-8 weeks of relative rest with no further treatment being needed in most cases.
What nerves are affected by C7?
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve at C7?
C6-C7 (C7 nerve root): Pain, tingling, and/or numbness may radiate into the hand and middle finger. Weakness may also be felt in the triceps (muscles in the back of the upper arm), finger extensors, and other muscles.
What does your C7 control?
What causes C7 pain?
Injury to the vertebrae and/or intervertebral disc at the C6-C7 level is a common source of C7 radicular nerve pain. Severe trauma to this level may also injure the spinal cord.
How do I stretch my C7?
Pinched Nerve (Cervical Radiculopathy) Stretches & Exercises
What does C7 nerve pain feel like?
How do you Unpinch a C7 nerve?
If you have mild symptoms, you might find relief from:
- rest.
- soft cervical collar.
- hot or cold compress.
- practicing good posture.
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- acupuncture.
- massage.
- yoga.