The C8 spinal nerve allows the brain to send motor controls for muscle movements. The C8 nerve helps control the hands, including finger flexion (handgrip) and the forearm.
What nerves do C7 C8 affect?
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 c8 radiculopathy?
When a nerve in the cervical spine (neck) is irritated or damaged and causes pain and/or neurological symptoms, doctors call this condition – cervical radiculopathy. The nerves exiting the spinal canal (nerve roots) are numbered from 1 to 8, based on the same vertebra numbering, which starts at 1 underneath the skull.
How is c8 radiculopathy treated?
Nonsurgical treatments for cervical radiculopathy typically include one or more of the following:
- Rest or activity modification.
- Physical therapy.
- Ice and/or heat therapy.
- Medications.
- Cervical epidural steroid injection.
- Manual manipulation.
- Cervical traction.
Does a MRI of the cervical spine show C8?
It should show everything from C3 to C7 and in between and reported on as well. Many show much more but often the radiologist doesn’t report on the stuff they don’t ask for unless it is significant. Since the C8 nerve is considered part of the neck, it is usually included with the report on C6-7 or C7-T1.
What is the best treatment for cervical radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy may be treated with a combination of pain medications such as corticosteroids (powerful anti-inflammatory drugs) or non-steroidal pain medication like ibuprofen or naproxen and physical therapy.
What is the prognosis of cervical radiculopathy?
The prognosis for cervical radiculopathy is very good. Four years after symptoms start, 90% of patients are pain-free or have mild symptoms. Cervical radiculopathy rarely progresses and is usually self-limiting, meaning it eventually resolves by itself (2). You’re probably thinking, “4 years is a long time!
How to diagnose cervical radiculopathy?
Making a Diagnosis. At your appointment,your doctor will likely take a history and give you a physical exam.
