What nerves are affected by C6 and 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.
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What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve at C6-C7?

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.
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What does the C7 nerve control?

Cervical nerve 7 controls your triceps and wrist extensor muscles. C7 provides sensation to the back of your arm into your middle finger. Cervical nerve 8 controls your hands and gives sensation to the pinky side of your hand and forearm.
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What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve at C7?

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.
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What happens if C6 nerve is damaged?

Symptoms of a C6 Spinal Cord Injury

The patient will likely have numbness and / or tingling in the fingers, hands, and arms. Therapy, such as C6 spinal cord injury exercises, may address these issues. The patient may also experience the following: Paralysis in the legs, torso, and/or hands.
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C6



What does C7 nerve pain feel like?

C7 radiculopathy.

Tingling, numbness, and/or pain may be felt down the arm and into the middle finger. Weakness may be experienced in the back of the upper arm (triceps).
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What helps pain from C6 and C7?

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.
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What cervical nerves affect the arms and hands?

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).
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Which fingers are affected by cervical radiculopathy?

Bicep, wrist, thumb, and index finger pain

Tingling or numbness in these areas may indicate cervical radiculopathy.
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What happens when C7 is damaged?

Individuals with a complete C7 spinal cord injury will not be able to move or feel their trunk or lower body, and will also have some impairments in their hands/fingers. This will affect: Bladder and bowel movements. The inability to control these reflexes and muscle contractions can make you very prone to accidents.
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What cervical nerves affect the face?

The trigeminal nerve is one set of the cranial nerves in the head. It is the nerve responsible for providing sensation to the face. One trigeminal nerve runs to the right side of the head, while the other runs to the left. Each of these nerves has three distinct branches.
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What muscles are innervated by C6?

The C6 nerve root shares a common branch from C5, and has a role in innervating many muscles of the rotator cuff and distal arm, including:
  • Subclavius.
  • Supraspinatus.
  • Infraspinatus.
  • Biceps Brachii.
  • Brachialis.
  • Deltoid.
  • Teres Minor.
  • Brachioradialis.
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What causes narrowing of C6 and C7?

A common cause of cervical spinal stenosis is degeneration, or wear and tear affecting the anatomical structures in your neck due to aging. That's why most people who have cervical spinal stenosis are adults in their 50s and 60s who may have had neck pain for several years.
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How do you sleep with a herniated C6 C7?

Recommended Sleeping Positions for a Herniated Disc
  1. Side Sleepers – Choose a slightly thicker pillow to keep your spine straight as you lay on your side. ...
  2. Back Sleepers – Choose a thinner pillow to avoid tilting your head at an upwards angle. ...
  3. Side Sleepers – Place a pillow of medium thickness between your knees.
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How do you fix a pinched nerve C6?

Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are used to help relieve C5-C6 vertebral and nerve pain. Common medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain-relieving medication such as opioids and tramadol, and/or corticosteroids.
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What activities should be avoided with cervical radiculopathy?

You must avoid any activity or exercise which aggravates your arm symptoms. Please do not push through the pain, especially any arm pain. In sitting. Move your shoulder blades gently back and up (small movement).
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What causes cervical radiculopathy flare ups?

A common cause of radiculopathy is narrowing of the space where nerve roots exit the spine, which can be a result of stenosis, bone spurs, disc herniation or other conditions. Radiculopathy symptoms can often be managed with nonsurgical treatments, but minimally invasive surgery can also help some patients.
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Which cervical nerves affect the thumb?

For example, the thumb is innervated by branches of the median nerve, which itself has fibers from the C6 nerve root. Thus, compression of either the C6 root or the median nerve itself may be the cause of thumb symptoms.
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What nerve controls the thumb and index finger?

The median nerve is also responsible for touch, pain and temperature sensations to the: Bottom (palm) side of the thumb, index and middle fingers, and part of the ring finger.
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Can neck problems affect your legs?

Pressure on the nerves in the spinal cord can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the arms, hands, and legs.
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What cause neck pain that radiates to shoulder blade?

A pinched nerve in your neck can cause pain that radiates toward your shoulder. This is also known as cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy most often comes from changes in your spine due to aging or injury. Bone spurs can cause a pinching of the nerves that run through the hollow space in the vertebrae.
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How long does it take for C6 and C7 to heal?

It will take between 4 and 6 weeks before light work can be accomplished, while full recovery usually takes between 2 and 3 months. If necessary your doctor may suggest physical therapy sessions to aid recovery.
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How should I sleep with C7 pain?

How to sleep with cervical radiculopathy
  1. Sleeping on your back: This is the optimal sleeping position as it is the easiest to properly brace your head and position your neck. ...
  2. Sleeping on your side: This position is not as preferred as laying on your back, but it is better than on your stomach.
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Why is cervical radiculopathy worse at night?

At night our body temperature fluctuates and goes down a bit. Most people tend to sleep in a cooler room as well. The thought is that damaged nerves might interpret the temperature change as pain or tingling, which can heighten the sense of neuropathy. Also consider poor sleep quality.
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