What does the C2 vertebra control?
The C1 vertebrae is named atlas and the C2 vertebrae is named axis. As well as protecting the spinal cord, these vertebrae are primarily responsible for facilitating and controlling the large range of movement that your neck has, and supporting the considerable weight of your skull at the tip of your spine.
What nerves are affected by C7?
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).
What is C2 and C7?
C2 is called the axis because the atlas rotates about the odontoid process of C2. The joint between the atlas and axis is a pivot that allows the head to turn. C7 is sometimes called the prominent vertebra because of the length of its spinous process (the projection off the back of the vertebral body).
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve at C2?
If the spinal cord becomes compressed at the C2 level, it can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in the arms or legs, loss of bowel and/or bladder control, and other problems. Severe cases of spinal cord injury at C2 can be fatal because breathing and other critical body functions may be impaired or stop.
What is C2 also known as?
The second vertebra, C2, is called the axis in reference to its purpose — enabling motion. When together, atlas C1 and axis C2 allow for rotation and swiveling of the head since the C1 vertebrae is attached directly into the skull and pivots from its C2 axis.
What will happen if a pinched nerve goes untreated?
If left untreated, it may lead to permanent nerve damage. The most common symptoms of a pinched nerve include neck pain that travels down the arms and shoulders, difficulty lifting things, headache, and muscle weakness and numbness or tingling in fingers or hands.
What is the C2 in your neck?
The C2 dermatome is an area of skin that receives sensations through the C2 nerve. This dermatome includes the top and back of the scalp, the skin over the front of the neck, and the ear lobes. These muscles include those that allow the neck to bend forward.
What is a C2 fracture in the neck?
The hangman’s fracture refers to a break in a bone known as C2, because it is the second bone down from the skull in your cervical (neck) vertebrae. A fracture can be a partial or complete break in a bone. The injury can also cause the C2 to move out of alignment with the bone right below it, known as the C3.
Can a chiropractor adjust C2?
Chiropractic manipulation. Manipulation of the cervical spine through chiropractic adjustment may help relieve pain stemming from C1-C2. This treatment, however, may not be recommended in cases where the stability of C1-C2 is compromised.