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Why does C7 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.
How do you relieve cervical pain?
If you have minor neck pain or stiffness, take these simple steps to relieve it:
- Apply ice for the first few days.
- Take OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Take a few days off from sports, activities that aggravate your symptoms, and heavy lifting.
- Exercise your neck every day.
- Use good posture.
What does the 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. 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).
Should you rub a pinched nerve?
Massage or physical therapy Applying gentle pressure around the affected area may help relieve tension, and a full body massage can help the muscles relax. Deep tissue massages may not be a good idea because the extra pressure may make the symptoms worse.
What does your C7 control?
What does C7 fracture affect?
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.
Is ice or heat better for neck pain?
Generally, the recommendation is to use ice for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury to reduce swelling, followed by heat to loosen muscles and improve stiffness.
What kind of medications are used for C6-C7 pain?
Medication. 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. See Medications for Back Pain and Neck Pain
What to do with herniated C6 and C7 vertebrae?
You can lose function and experience pain. Your doctor may recommend a rehabilitation program with exercises to increase mobility and reduce pain. Your C6 and C7 vertebrae are near the base of the neck, and nerves at these levels supply muscles that straighten your fingers as well as the triceps muscles that straighten your elbow.
What are the best exercises for C7 nerve compression?
C7 Neck Exercises 1 Increase Neck Range of Motion. Neck stiffness can contribute to C7 nerve compression. 2 Strengthen With Neck Isometrics. Neck isometric exercises will strengthen muscles that support your cervical spine, without moving your head. 3 Fix Your Posture. 4 C7 Cervical Radiculopathy Exercises. …
What should you do if you have C7 impingement?
Fix Your Posture. An important part of treatment for C7 impingement is correcting your posture. The forward head, rounded shoulders position that many people assume as they sit throughout the day closes down the space between the vertebrae where spinal nerves exit. This can compress the nerve.