Why does my C7 vertebrae hurt?

Injury to the vertebrae and/or intervertebral disc at the C6-C7 level is a common source of C7 radicular nerve pain. In rare cases when the C7 vertebra forms a cervical rib, compression of surrounding blood vessels and/or nerves may occur, resulting in thoracic outlet syndrome.

What does C7 nerve pain feel like?

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. The C6-C7 disc is commonly considered the most likely to herniate in the cervical spine.

What nerves are affected by T1?

T1 motor root innervates the flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor pollicis longus, flexor pollicis longus, flexor digitorum profundus, lumbricals, interossei, and the pectoralis major. Differentiating motor function from the C8-T1 nerve roots and ulnar nerve pathology can be assessed with motor testing.

Is T1 or C7 more prominent?

The seventh cervical vertebra is known as the vertebra prominens because of its prominent spinous process (Fig. Also, the spinous process of T1 may be more prominent than that of C7 in some individuals. The spinous process of C7 usually projects directly posteriorly.

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.

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 does the T1 vertebrae control?

The first thoracic vertebra, T1, is the vertebra where the top rib attaches to the spine. Thoracic SCIs usually affect the chest and the legs. Injuries to the upper thoracic area can affect breathing. Thoracic injuries can also affect bowel and bladder control.

Why is C7 special?

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 special 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.

What does the C7 T1 control?

C7-T1 intervertebral disc. This disc protects the vertebrae by providing cushioning and shock-absorbing functions during neck movements.

Where does T1 nerve root exit?

intervertebral foramen
Each thoracic nerve root exits the spinal canal through a bony hole, called an intervertebral foramen. This bony hole is formed by two adjacent vertebrae, and its size and shape can slightly shift as the vertebrae move.

What causes pain between the C7 and T1 vertebrae?

C7-T1 degenerative disc disease If the disc between the C7 and T1 vertebrae degenerates enough it can become a source of pain. The pain can be from the disc itself or perhaps from irritation and/or inflammation associated from the collapsing disc.

Can a C7 T1 herniated disk cause hand pain?

A herniated disk that has compressed one or more nerves may cause pain. A compressed C7 T1 disc may cause pain in one or both arms, in either hand or in the small fingers on both hands. If the C7 nerve root is also compressed, pain may be experienced in the middle finger as well. The pain that results from a herniated disk is variable.

Where is C7-T1 located in the body?

It marks the boundary between the neck, also called the cervical spine, and the upper back, known as the thoracic spine. Due to the anatomy of the vertebral column, the cervical levels just above C7/T1 suffer most of the wear and tear and are called upon to bend and flex far more often.

Are there any nonsurgical treatments for C7-T1?

Nonsurgical treatments of C7-T1 include: Neck brace. Certain types of CTJ injuries may be managed by bed rest and immobilization using a neck brace or collar. Bracing the CTJ is usually challenging because the braces may move upward while reclining from an upright to a lying down position.