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• Cervical Nerve Roots

Cervical Nerve Roots

Cervical nerve roots refer to the origin of a nerve as it branches off the spinal cord between the seven cervical vertebrae in the neck. Existing in pairs, nerve roots are responsible for sending and receiving motor and sensory signals in the diaphragm (the muscle we use to breathe), neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers. Yet, by branching off the spinal cord and threading through spaces in between the bony vertebrae, these nerves roots are quite prone to compression from spine deterioration. This compression results in a multitude of potential problems, including neck pain.

The body’s nervous system is absolutely essential for normal function. Responsible for pain reception, muscle contraction, reflex and flexion, organ function, and more, the importance of sensory and motor nerves cannot be understated. In the neck, the eight cervical nerve roots, known as the C1-C8 nerve roots, are the base for these nerves as they leave and enter the spinal cord, allowing the flow of information to reach the brain.

However, the cervical nerve roots are also inordinately prone to compression (when compared with the 12 thoracic nerve root pairs in the middle back) because the cervical spine bears the weight burden of supporting the head, while also providing the pivot and flexibility of the neck. The result of this stress and mobility is the relatively common deterioration of the cervical vertebrae which can cause nerve irritation. Conditions such as herniated or swollen intervertebral discs, the narrowing of the spinal canals with stenosis, and the degeneration of the vertebral joints affected by facet disease can all cause compressed nerve roots.

Common symptoms of the compression of cervical nerve roots can include:

• Local, chronic neck pain
• Traversing pain radiating along a nerve
• Muscle weakness in the shoulders, arms and elbows
• Numbness or tingling in the fingertips
• The loss of reflex or motor function

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In the event that you are experiencing any of these symptoms, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your physician. In most cases, the pinching of spinal nerve roots can be managed with a conservative treatment of anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, physical therapy and the application of heat/cold. Should these treatments prove insufficient, contact Laser Spine Institute (LSI) to?learn more?about minimally invasive, outpatient endoscopic spine procedures as an alternative to open back surgery. Contact us today for more information on cervical nerve roots and to receive a medical review of your CT scan or MRI, free of charge.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.