29/11/2025
What’s Happening here
• C7 Nerve Root: This nerve exits between the C6 and C7 vertebrae, the most commonly irritated cervical nerve level.
• Pathway: It travels from the lower neck, through the back of the shoulder, down the posterior arm and forearm, and often into the middle finger.
• Red Area: The highlighted region represents the dermatome, where pain, tingling, numbness, or sensory changes appear when C7 is compressed or inflamed.
Why C7 Gets Pinched Often:
• The C6 and C7 disc absorbs high repetitive stress during looking down, driving, and desk work
• It sits at a transitional point between mobile and stable segments, making it more vulnerable
• Forward head posture and prolonged screen time increase mechanical load on this level
Common Causes of C7 Nerve Compression:
• Herniated cervical disc
• Cervical spondylosis or degenerative disc disease
• Bone spurs narrowing the neural foramen
• Cervical spinal stenosis
• Sudden trauma, whiplash, or repetitive strain
Symptoms of C7 Radiculopathy:
• Neck pain radiating to the shoulder blade, back of the arm, and middle finger
• Triceps weakness and difficulty pushing objects or doing push ups
• Reduced triceps reflex
• Numbness or tingling specifically in the middle finger
• Pain increases with neck extension, looking up, or turning the head
Interesting Clinical Facts:
• C7 radiculopathy accounts for up to 60 percent of cervical nerve root cases
• Symptoms may feel like tennis elbow, even without elbow injury
• Weak grip strength can occur because C7 helps control wrist and finger extensors
• Arm symptoms may be more noticeable than neck pain, leading many to mistake it for a shoulder problem
