Cervical nerve injuries are often serious and should be examined by an Orthopedic Spine Specialist. The cervical nerves are some of the most important in the body. Because they perform the important function of relaying sensory and motor information to and from the muscles and organs of the body, maintaining cervical nerve integrity is critical. To understand how the cervical nerves are injured, let’s go over some related anatomy and injury causes.
The Cervical Vertebrae and Nerves
The cervical vertebrae lie between the skull and the thoracic region of the spine. They are numbered C1-C7 and form the first portion of the vertebral canal. As the spinal cord stems from the brain, it travels through the cervical vertebrae and branches out to innervate the head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands and diaphragm.
Illustration 1- Highlighted in red, C1-C7
Cervical Nerve Injuries Due to Vertebral Fractures
Forceful head/neck impact injuries, like head on collisions sustained during car accidents or sports, can cause vertebral fractures that disrupt the integrity of the cervical canal and injure the cervical nerves. If pain, tingling, weakness, and/or numbness present following an impact injury, an appointment with an Orthopedic Spine Specialist should be arranged. Diagnosing a vertebral fracture and cervical nerve injury early is important, as conservative treatment options tend to be more effective early on.
Cervical Nerve Injuries Due to Severe Spinal Stenosis
Age-related “wear and tear” of the cervical vertebrae cause them to change shape. When this happens, the spinal canal narrows in a condition known as spinal stenosis. An extremely narrow cervical canal and accompanying cervical nerve injury is seen in severe cases of spinal stenosis. Again, pain, tingling, weakness, and/or numbness warrant an appointment with an Orthopedic Spine Specialist.
Arranging an Appointment with a Spine Specialist
If you can relate to the information in this post, please don’t hesitate to contact our offices in Glen Rock or Maywood, NJ to arrange an appointment. One of our Orthopedic Spine Specialists will see you ASAP. Once a diagnosis has been made, an effective treatment plan will be prescribed. You can expect results when in the hands of our trusted specialists.
The spine specialists at New Jersey Spinal Medicine and Surgery treat conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine using both non-surgical and surgical modalities. New Jersey Spinal Medicine and Surgery is led by Dr. Dante Implicito and Dr. John Koerner. Both physicians have extensive training and experience in the utilization of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery techniques as well as non-surgical techniques. Our doctors are regarded as New Jersey’s leading experts in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.
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