What does C4 vertebrae control?
C4 helps control upward shoulder movements. 1. C4 (along with C3 and C5) also helps power the diaphragm—the sheet of muscle that stretches to the bottom of the rib cage for breathing. 1. The C4 dermatome covers parts of the neck, shoulders, and upper part of arms.
What is C4 cervical?
C4 Spinal Vertebra Defined This central portion of the spinal cord, which relates to the C4 vertebra, contains nerves that run to the diaphragm, which helps us breathe by contracting and pulling air into the lungs. The C4 vertebra is located in the neck region of the spinal column, just above the thoracic vertebrae.
What nerves are affected by C4-C5 C6?
Classic Patterns of Cervical Radiculopathy
| Nerve root | Interspace | Pain distribution |
|---|---|---|
| C4 | C3–C4 | Lower neck, trapezius |
| C5 | C4–C5 | Neck, shoulder, lateral arm |
| C6 | C5–C6 | Neck, dorsal lateral (radial) arm, thumb |
What nerves are affected by C4-C5 C6 and C7?
From the lateral cord, C5, C6, and C7 supply the pectoralis major and minor muscles, via the lateral and medial pectoral nerves, as well as the coracobrachialis, brachialis and biceps brachii, via the musculocutaneous nerve. The musculocutaneous nerve provides sensation to the skin of the lateral forearm.
What does a C4 injury mean?
A C4 spinal cord injury occurs when damage is dealt about mid-way down the cervical spinal cord — the topmost portion of the spinal cord that is located in the neck and upper shoulders.
What happens if you break C4?
After a C4 spinal cord injury, individuals may lose sensation and control over the bowel and bladder muscles. Because the bowel and bladder muscles are innervated by some of the bottommost segments of the spinal cord, bladder and bowel dysfunction is extremely common amongst SCI patients.
How do you test C4 function?
Assessment of C4 Sensory Function
- Test one side of shoulders, 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 bilaterally across the shoulders.
What is C4 C5 degenerative disc?
Cervical degenerative disc disease is a common cause of neck pain and radiating arm pain. It develops when one or more of the cushioning discs in the cervical spine starts to break down due to wear and tear. Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Video.
Can you recover from a C4 spinal cord injury?
C4 Spinal Cord Injury (Midsection of the Cervical Spine) Survivors also often experience paralysis, issues controlling bladder or bowel function, and limited range of motion. Unfortunately, there is no treatment that can entirely reverse the damage from a spinal cord injury at this level.