The 7th cervical (C7) vertebra is the largest and most inferior vertebra in the neck region. This spinous process can be easily seen and felt at the base of the neck, making it a prominent landmark of the skeleton and giving the C7 the name vertebra prominens.
What is unique about C7?
C7 possesses the standard cervical vertebral features but has some distinct features: spinous process ends in a rounded tubercle and is not bifid. C7 transverse foramina are small, and do not transmit the vertebral artery.
Why is C7 important?
Because of its large spinous process and its location at the base of the neck, C7 serves as an attachment site for many muscles.
What does C7 nerve control?
C7 helps control the triceps (the large muscle on the back of the arm that straightens the elbow) and wrist extensor muscles. 1,3. The C7 dermatome goes down the back of the arm and into the middle finger.
Why is C7 atypical?
C7 may be considered typical or atypical but has two distinct features. The first is that unlike the rest of the cervical vertebrae, is that the vertebral artery does not traverse the transverse foramen. The second is that it contains a long spinous process, also known as “vertebra prominens.”Jul 26, 2021.
What does C7 stand for?
Acronym Definition C7 Seventh Component of Complement C7 Cervical Vertebra 7.
What part of the body does C7 affect?
The C7 myotome is a group of muscles controlled by the C7 nerve. These muscles include those involved in straightening the elbow, lifting the wrist, elongating the fingers to an outstretched hand, and the triceps muscle in the upper arm.
How serious is a C7 fracture?
A C7 spinal cord injury may result in quadriplegia, which describes paralysis in the arms, legs, and sometimes, the trunk. However, because the C7 segment is further down the cervical region of the spinal cord, the majority of your arm functions may be spared.
What helps C7 pain?
A few methods to control this pain are: Medication. 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 nerves affect C7?
The spinal nerve C8 extends from the spinal column from below the C7 vertebra and between it and the T1 vertebra. This spinal nerve serves as both a sensory root and motor root. A C7 vertebrae pain or disc injury may indicate the C8 nerve is also at risk at being compressed or pinched.
What nerves are affected by C7 C8?
Forearm Flexor carpi ulnaris – Ulnar nerve (C7, C8, T1) Palmaris longus – Median nerve (C7, C8) Flexor digitorum superficialis – Median nerve (C8, T1) Flexor digitorum profundus – Median and Ulnar nerves (C8, T1) Flexor pollicis longus – Median nerve (C7, C8) Pronator quadratus – Median nerve (C7, C8).
What are symptoms of nerve damage in neck?
Symptoms of pinched nerve in the neck include: A sharp pain in the arm. Pain in the shoulder. A feeling of numbness or pins and needles in the arm. Weakness of the arm. Worsening pain when you move your neck or turn your head.
Is C7 typical or atypical?
Of the cervical vertebrae, the atlas (C1), axis (C2) and vertebra prominens (C7) are considered atypical cervical vertebrae. The atlas (C1) lacks a body or spinous process.
What makes C1 C2 and C7 atypical?
Of the cervical vertebrae, the atlas (C1), axis (C2) and vertebra prominens (C7) are considered atypical cervical vertebrae. The axis (C2) is unique with an odontoid process (the dens) projecting from its superior surface. The vertebra prominens (C7) has the longest spinous process of all cervical vertebrae.
Is your neck connected to your spine?
The neck is connected to the upper back through a series of seven vertebral segments. The cervical spine has 7 stacked bones called vertebrae, labeled C1 through C7. The top of the cervical spine connects to the skull, and the bottom connects to the upper back at about shoulder level.
What muscles attach C7?
Deep back muscles: erector spinae muscles (extend the neck and head) Iliocostalis cervicis: Insertion – TVPs of C4-C6. Iliocostalis thoracis: Part of insertion – TVPs of C7.
What causes C7 to stick out?
The vertebra located at the base of your neck, the cervical C7 vertebrae is also called the first thoracic vertebrae. It’s the one that feels like it sticks out when you run your hand down the back of your neck. It’s directly associated, when out of alignment, with issues like shoulder and elbow bursitis.
How do you sleep with a herniated C6 C7?
If you can commit to a more drastic change, the best sleeping position for your herniated disc pain may be your back. Sleeping on your back helps keep the spine in neutral alignment. If your pain is still relatively intense, try placing a pillow under your knees and low back for added comfort.
Can you recover from a C7 fracture?
How long does it take to recover? A simple break that doesn’t affect your spinal cord can be treated with a neck brace worn for six to eight weeks until the bone heals. More complicated breaks can require surgery and other treatments such as a stiff neck brace for up to three months.
How long does it take to heal a C7 fracture?
In most cases, there will be no deleterious effects from the injury and healing process. Like bone healing, this process typically takes six to eight weeks for most individuals. Acutely there is likely to be pain, but long-term pain typically subsides.
Can you walk after a C7 spinal cord injury?
The ability to walk has been restored following a spinal cord injury, using one’s own brain power, according to research. The preliminary proof-of-concept study shows that it is possible to use direct brain control to get a person’s legs to walk again.
How do you fix a pinched nerve C7?
Other pinched nerve treatments rest. soft cervical collar. hot or cold compress. practicing good posture. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) acupuncture. massage. yoga.