Where is c6 7 on the spine

Cervical spine surgery may be considered as a treatment of last resort in cases when a nerve root or spinal cord compression causes or worsens neurological deficits. Surgery may also be performed to improve stability of the neck after severe fracture or dislocation.

See Surgery for Neck Pain. While some procedures involve removal of a portion of the disc, most cervical spine surgeries include removal of the entire disc and replacement with a bone graft for fusion or artificial disc.

The adjacent vertebrae may be fused with plates and screws following the disc procedure. See Treatment for Neck Pain. Stiff Neck Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.

You are here Conditions Spine Anatomy. By Julie Levine, DO. Peer Reviewed. Waxenbaum JA, Futterman B. Anatomy, Back, Cervical Vertebrae. In: StatPearls [Internet]. The pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in the shoulders, arms and even hands and fingers could all point to this condition.

The C6 and C7 are two vital skeletal components that play a huge role in healthy living. They form part of a core system that supports the spinal system, keeping the body firm and strong. It is important to know how to keep these major body players in good shape and correct any potential conditions such as C6-C7 disc herniation.

The neck is made up of seven cervical vertebrae which protect the spinal cord. The C6 and C7 are two of these cervical components. They share many structural similarities to the other cervical vertebrae, including the vertebral body and arch, as well as two transverse processes, two facet joints, and one spinous process. Additionally, C7 has a Vertebra Prominens, which is a larger version of the spinous process, and in some extraordinary cases, the vertebrae also feature an extra cervical rib.

Due to the position of the C6 and C7 vertebrae close to the base of the neck, they both serve a vital load-bearing and support function. They are also the most susceptible to becoming herniated. A herniated disc can refer to any of the discs in the spine that have become damaged and have developed a tear in the wall annulus fibrosus of the disc allowing the jelly substance inside to squeeze out of the tear.

This can also cause the disc to bulge and pinch a nerve, thus leading to Cervical radiculopathy. The most common cause of a herniated disc is from excessive bending or lifting or trauma. Common symptoms of a herniated disc are neck pain, headaches and arm tingling, pain, or numbness. The C6-C7 disc is one of 23 discs in the spine. The function of each disc is to provide support to the spine and absorb any unexpected impact between the vertebrae.

The C6-C7 disc is formed at the joint between the C6 and C7 cervical vertebrae. The disc itself is a tissue that is composed of a soft gelatinous center called the nucleus pulposus. This core is what allows the spine to extend and maintain strength. It is enclosed within a firm but elastic outer casing known as the annulus fibrosus. The final part of the disc is the cartilaginous endplates between the disc and the next vertebrae.

C7 provides sensation to middle digit. Assessment of C7 Motor Function. Assess and document motor function using motor scale from Neck: strong neck stability Shoulder: assess ability to rotate shoulder assess ability to abduct arm at shoulder away from body assess abduction against examiner resistance assess ability to adduct arm at shoulder toward body assess adduction against examiner resistance Tricep: assess ability to straighten bent elbow against resistance assess ability to straighten elbow against examiner resistance C7 tricep function Wrist: assess ability to extend wrist assess ability to extend wrist against resistance C7 strong wrist extension Digits: observe digits during extension assess digit extension against resistance C7 strong extenion observe digits during digit flexion C7 weak flexion.

Assessment of C7 Sensory Function. Test middle finger on one hand for sensation, then test same spot on opposite side Always apply the same amount of pressure to each side Ask patient to compare sensation on side A to side B Conceal test from the patient and test light touch and then pain separately.

Test sensation in middle finger bilaterally Light touch: use wisp of cotton or tissue Sharp or temperture touch: use safety pin or blunt end needle pain is a better assessment than temperature for this pathway because patients need to be able to articulate that they can distinguish hot or cold; this is unreliable among intubated patients. Expected Outcome.