Where Is The 7th Vertebra Located?

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 nerves are affected by C7?

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).

Where is your number 7 vertebrae located?

The C7 vertebra sits

directly below the C6 spinal vertebra

and is part of the lower levels of the cervical spine, near the base of the neck. It is the last vertebral level in the cervical spine column, which includes levels C1 – C7.

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.

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

.

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.

What is special about C7?

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.

How do I know if I have C7?

C7 can be identified by

palpating the base of the occiput down into the deep hollow

where the next bony prominence felt will be C2, then C3-5 are closely packed and the spine of C6 is very prominent.

What are the first 7 vertebrae called?

The cervical spine

is made up of the first 7 vertebrae, referred to as C1-7 (see the images below). It functions to provide mobility and stability to the head while connecting it to the relatively immobile thoracic spine. The cervical spine may be divided into 2 parts: upper and lower.

How can you tell the difference between a T1 and C7?

• C7, also called vertebra prominens, is the last cervical vertebra. T1 is the first thoracic vertebra.
• C7 has a longer spinous process (bony protrusion), which can be felt in the back of the neck. …
• T1 connects to the first rib with costovertebral joints.

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.

What are the symptoms of nerve damage in your neck?

• 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.

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.

Why is my C7 so big?

The spinus process of the C7 vertebrae

is anatomically larger than the rest of the cervical spine processes

. If this is the only cause of the hump there is little to do. Most everyone has this bony protuberance sticking out more than the others.

What helps C7 pain?

Spinal nerve pain from C7 may be treated with

steroid injections in the epidural space

, around the C7 nerve itself, or injections into the facet joint of the C6 and C7 vertebrae. Risks of these injection procedures include hematoma, bleeding, and nerve damage.

What is the fastest way to heal a pinched nerve?

1. Extra sleep and rest. Sleep is essential for a healing nerve. …
2. Change of posture. …
3. Ergonomic workstation. …
4. Pain relieving medications. …
5. Stretching and yoga. …
6. Massage or physical therapy. …
7. Splint. …
8. Elevate the legs.