How serious is a C7 fracture?
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.
How long does it take to heal a C7 fracture?
In most cases, there will be no deleterious effects from the injury and healing process. Like bone healing, this process typically takes six to eight weeks for most individuals. Acutely there is likely to be pain, but long-term pain typically subsides.
How long does a spinal process fracture take to heal?
A spinal fracture takes between six and 12 weeks to heal. During the healing process, spinal bones don’t return to their normal shape. They heal in their new compressed shape. This can lead to height loss and curvature of the spine.
What can someone with a C7 spinal cord injury do?
C7 injury. Nerves control elbow extension and some finger extension. Most can straighten their arm and have normal movement of their shoulders.
What is C7 in your neck?
The 7th cervical (C7) vertebra is the largest and most inferior vertebra in the neck region. The C7 is located in the spinal column inferior to the 6th cervical (C6) vertebra and superior to the first thoracic (T1) vertebra.
Where is the C7 vertebrae?
cervical spine
The C7 vertebra sits directly below the C6 spinal vertebra and is part of the lower levels of the cervical spine, near the base of the neck. It is the last vertebral level in the cervical spine column, which includes levels C1 – C7.
What is C7 in spine?
C7, also called vertebra prominens, is the last cervical vertebra. T1 is the first thoracic vertebra. C7 has a longer spinous process (bony protrusion), which can be felt in the back of the neck.