What Is A C7 Quadriplegic?

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 does C7 control?

C7 helps control

the triceps

(the large muscle on the back of the arm that straightens the elbow) and wrist extensor muscles.

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. The C7 dermatome goes down the back of the arm and into the middle finger.

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.

What is the life expectancy of a quadriplegic?

Patients aged 20 years at the time they sustain these injuries have a life expectancy of

approximately 35.7 years

(patients with high tetraplegia [C1-C4]), 40 years (patients with low tetraplegia [C5-C8]), or 45.2 years (patients with paraplegia).

What does C7 affect?

When the C7 nerve is compressed or irritated, additional complaints may follow, such as:

Pain from the neck radiating to the shoulder down to the middle finger

. Numbness in the palm, index finger, and middle finger. Weakness in the upper arm, forearm, elbow, and wrist; affecting the motion of these regions.

What nerves are affected by C7?

The C6-C7 disc is 6th cervical disc near the lower part of the neck, near the top of the shoulders. The nerve root that would be affected by the C6-C7 disc

herniation controls the arms, the shoulders, the heart, the lungs, and more

.

How serious is a C7 break?

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.

Can a paralyzed man still get erect?

The nerves that control a man’s ability to have a reflex erection are located in the sacral area (S2–S4) of the spinal cord. Most paralyzed men are able to have a reflex erection

with physical stimulation unless the S2–S4 pathway is damaged

. Spasticity is known to interfere with sexual activity in some people with SCI.

Can quadriplegics poop?

With a spinal cord injury, damage can occur to the nerves that allow a person to control bowel movements. If the spinal cord injury is above the T-12 level, the ability to feel when the rectum is full may be lost. The anal sphincter muscle remains tight, however, and bowel movements will occur on a reflex basis.

How long does it take to heal a c7 fracture?

Traction allows for very little movement. You’ll have to wear rigid braces or a halo vest to steady your spine. During this time, you won’t be able to drive or do other activities. This treatment can take

up to 12 weeks

, while your fracture heals.

Who is the longest living quadriplegic?

Walter Lewis in Gautier

holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest living quadriplegic. “Since a spinal cord injury in my late teens, I’ve been paralyzed,” Lewis said. Lewis was in a car accident on his way home from a family Thanksgiving gathering on Nov. 29, 1959.

What jobs can a quadriplegic do?

• Teacher/Instructor. The autonoME is an augmentative and assistive communications (AAC) device, allowing the user to effectively communicate. …
• Greeter. …
• Professional Writer. …
• Motivational Speaker.

Can a quadriplegic man have a baby?

While money may be a factor in becoming a father if you’re paralyzed, having children is now a possibility for paralyzed men.

Only around 10% of men with spinal cord injuries are able to conceive naturally

(if they use erection medication).

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.

What happens when you break your neck at C7?

Symptoms of a C7 Spinal Cord Injury

Having C7 vertebrae pain is an indicator of damage to this vertebrae. A survivor of a C7 SCI will likely have full neck movement but may

sense tingling and numbness in the hands and fingers

, as well as referred pain in the shoulder blade.

How do you fix a pinched nerve C7?

1. rest.
2. soft cervical collar.
3. hot or cold compress.
4. practicing good posture.
5. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
6. acupuncture.
7. massage.
8. yoga.