cervicalthoracic

Cervicalthoracic, often written as cervicothoracic, refers to the transitional region between the cervical and thoracic parts of the spine. It is commonly centered at the cervicothoracic junction, around the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) and the first thoracic vertebra (T1). The term describes the spine segment as well as the surrounding musculoskeletal and neural structures that influence motion and stability in this area.

Anatomy and boundaries: The cervicalthoracic region encompasses the lower cervical vertebrae and upper thoracic vertebrae, together with the corresponding intervertebral discs, facet joints, and costovertebral joints that connect T1 to the first rib. The first thoracic vertebra has features adapted for rib articulation, affecting the biomechanics of this junction. The orientation of the facet joints and the stiffness of the rib cage contribute to a unique balance of mobility and stability at this transition zone.

Neural and vascular considerations: The lower cervical nerve roots, particularly C8 and T1, exit near this junction and contribute to the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. The region lies near the thoracic inlet and surrounding sympathetic structures, including the stellate ganglion, which can be relevant in certain clinical presentations. Because of this proximity, pathology in the cervicothoracic area can influence arm function or autonomic symptoms in some cases.

Clinical relevance: Degenerative changes, foraminal stenosis, disc herniation, or facet arthropathy at the cervicothoracic junction can cause neck, shoulder, or upper limb symptoms and may be challenging to diagnose due to overlapping pain patterns. Imaging with X-ray, MRI, or CT aids assessment, while treatment ranges from conservative measures (physical therapy, analgesia) to surgical fusion or stabilization across C7–T1 or nearby levels when instability or deformity is present.