Where is c4 and c5

When the gel-like substance leaks out, it can cause severe pain as it comes into contact with the nerves along the spinal column. The herniated disc can also cause other problems as the center of the disc bulges out between the vertebrae. Any accident or condition that causes stress and strain to the other portion of the disc can cause the fibers to tear, allowing the inner portion of the disc to leak into the spinal column.

Chronic pain is one of the most common symptoms caused by a herniated disc. Other individuals may experience stabbing or sharp pain. Some individuals may experience pain in their hands and arms.

Tingling, weakness, and numbness may also be present. The location of the herniated disc can have an impact on the type of symptoms a person may experience.

Most cervical herniated discs are diagnosed after a person goes to the doctor complaining of neck pain and other symptoms associated with a herniated disc. This group of motion segments starts with the C2 vertebra near the top of the cervical spine and ends in the mid-cervical spine at the C5 vertebra.

C4-C5 is typically more mobile compared to other motion segments between C2-C5. The lower cervical spine C5-C7 is typically injured more often compared to C2-C5. However, the C2-C5 motion segments are also susceptible to injury and can cause pain due to degeneration, disc herniation, trauma, and neurological injury. Watch Cervical Vertebrae Anatomy Animation.

See Cervical Spinal Nerves. Each spinal nerve receives sensation from specific areas of skin—its dermatome; and controls specific groups of muscles—its myotome. C1 and C2 are considered atypical vertebrae because they have some distinguishing features compared to the rest of the cervical spine. The cervicothoracic junction is the point of transition from the highly flexible neck to the nearly inflexible upper back.

The seventh cervical vertebra, also called the vertebra prominens, is commonly considered a unique vertebra and has the most prominent spinous process. C7 is the bottom of the cervical spine and connects with the top of the thoracic spine, T1, to form the cervicothoracic junction—also referred to as C7-T1.

C7 also lacks holes foramina in its transverse processes for vertebral arteries to pass, which are present in all of the other cervical vertebrae. These joints are comprised of two uncinate processes—one rising from the top of each side of the vertebral body—that fit in indentations in the vertebral body above.

Compared to the facet joints, the uncovertebral joints are relatively small and not present at birth. The C5 vertebra is significant for determining the severity of neck and spinal injury.

If the injury is at or above the C5 vertebra, the person may be unable to breathe since the spinal cord nerves located between the third and fifth cervical vertebrae control respiration.

Damage to the spinal cord at the C5 vertebra also affects the vocal cords, biceps, and deltoid muscles in the upper arms. The most common causes of cervical vertebrae injury and spinal cord damage include a spinal fracture from diving accidents and sports, as well as medical complications. Other common causes include:. Cervical vertebrae from C3 through C6 are also known as typical vertebrae since they share similar anatomical characteristics to the other vertebrae further down the spinal column.

Typical vertebrae share these features:. The thick boned vertebral body is cylindrical-shaped and located at the front of the vertebra. It carries most of the weight for a vertebra. Most vertebrae feature an intervertebral disc between 2 vertebral bodies for cushioning and shock absorption.

The vertebral arch is a bony curve that wraps around the spinal cord toward the back of the spine and consists of 2 pedicles and 2 laminae. Each vertebra has a pair of facet joints, also known as zygapophysial joints. These joints, located between the pedicle and lamina on each side of the vertebral arch, are lined with smooth cartilage to enable limited movement between 2 vertebrae.

Spinal degeneration or injury to the facet joints are among the most common causes of chronic neck pain. These vertebrae form the midsection of the cervical spine, near the base of the neck. They control function to the body from the shoulders down. All three vertebrae work together to support the neck and head. The C3,C4, and C5 vertebrae are part of the cervical spinal column.