C5C7

C5-C7 is a term used in human anatomy and clinical medicine to designate the portion of the cervical spine that includes the vertebrae C5, C6, and C7, along with their intervertebral discs and accompanying neural elements. In medical imaging and surgical planning, C5-C7 is referenced to locate pathology, guide interventions, and describe outcomes.

Anatomy: The C5-C7 segment comprises three vertebral bodies (C5, C6, C7) and the discs between them. The nerve roots associated with these levels contribute to the brachial plexus, and degenerative changes can compress the spinal cord or exiting nerve roots, leading to cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. The area is a common site for age-related changes such as disc bulges, osteophyte formation, and foraminal narrowing.

Clinical significance: Degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, foraminal stenosis, and herniated discs are frequently encountered at C5-C7. Patients may experience neck pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand, along with numbness, weakness, or altered reflexes corresponding to the affected nerve roots. Symptoms can vary with which level is most involved, and more severe compression may lead to myelopathy, presenting with gait disturbance or hand clumsiness.

Diagnosis and treatment: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred modality to evaluate C5-C7 pathology, with computed tomography (CT) used for detailed bony assessment when needed. Treatments range from conservative care—physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and activity modification—to surgical options for significant compression, such as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior decompression, depending on the pathology and patient factors.