Seventh cervical vertebra. Where is it located, photo, anatomy

Intervertebral hernia of the cervical spine is a very common disease that is diagnosed more and more every year. This is due to the high mobility of the neck and the increase in loads on it associated with prolonged work at the computer and various gadgets. At the same time, herniated neck discs cannot be called a harmless condition, since they tend to increase in size and lead to the development of severe complications, including disability and stroke. Therefore, it is important to detect the problem as early as possible and take measures to eliminate it.

Intervertebral disc C6-C7: what is it

The human spine is conventionally divided into sections: cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral. The cervical region, formed by 7 vertebrae, has the greatest mobility. Between them, with the exception of the first two, lie cartilage layers called intervertebral discs.

Each disc has an internal content - the nucleus pulposus. This is a gelatinous mass that performs the main functions of the intervertebral disc: shock absorption during movement, ensuring mobility and flexibility of the spine. The nucleus pulposus is surrounded by a fibrous membrane called the annulus fibrosus. It ensures the maintenance of the normal shape of the intervertebral disc (close to ellipsoidal) and protects it from external influences.

The cervical intervertebral discs have the smallest height and diameter among all others.

Over the course of life, under the influence of various factors, the discs gradually wear out, i.e., osteochondrosis develops. The greatest loads fall on the intervertebral discs C5-C6 and C6-C7. Therefore, protrusions and hernias most often form in them. More often, intervertebral hernias occur only in the lumbar spine.

The disc itself does not have blood vessels, and the flow of nutrients into it and the removal of metabolic products occurs by the diffusion method. With each movement, it is flattened by the vertebrae, and its adjacent surfaces are worn away. In this case, the joint fluid is squeezed out of the cartilage tissue. When the load is removed, the disc straightens and the liquid is reabsorbed, but now saturated with nutrients. At the same time, processes of restoration of the outer surfaces of the disc occur.

As long as the cervical spine does not experience large overloads and a sufficient number of necessary connections are supplied with blood, the processes of destruction and restoration are in balance, and the intervertebral disc functions normally. But when these conditions change, abrasion occurs faster than the disc regenerates, which first leads to the development of osteochondrosis.

Subsequently, if this process is not intervened, the C6-C7 intervertebral disc becomes dehydrated, which leads to a decrease in the elasticity of the fibers that form the fibrous ring. A decrease in the height of the disc is accompanied by an increase in pressure on it. Therefore, the nucleus pulposus puts more pressure on the annulus fibrosus. Since its fibers are no longer able to stretch and compress normally, microscopic tears form in them. Gradually their size increases, and the nucleus pulposus penetrates into the resulting gaps. Thus, a protrusion of the C6-C7 disc is formed.

In the absence of treatment and lifestyle changes, more and more fibers of the fibrous ring are torn and eventually it breaks through in the most vulnerable place. As a result, the nucleus pulposus gets the opportunity to fill the formed gap, and subsequently leak into the spinal canal, which is already called a C6-C7 disc herniation.

All these processes are accompanied by inflammation and severe pain, which temporarily disappears after the annulus fibrosus ruptures, but subsequently resumes with renewed vigor, as the formed hernia begins to mechanically compress the surrounding tissues, nerves, blood vessels, etc.

Kinds

Since the intervertebral disc can be conventionally called round, a hernia can form in any direction. If it protrudes into the lumen of the spinal canal, it is called posterior or dorsal. If a pathological bulging of the disc occurs on the side of the spinous processes of the vertebrae, the hernia is called anterior.

The greatest danger is posed by dorsal hernias of C6-C7, since the spinal canal is quite narrow and the appearance of any formation in it is fraught with infringement of the spinal roots, the spinal cord itself, and the vertebral arteries passing right there.

Anterior intervertebral hernias C6-C7 pose virtually no danger. Therefore, they often do not require any treatment. But they are formed much less frequently than the dorsal ones.

Therefore, we will dwell in more detail on posterior disc herniations C6-C7. Depending on the sector in which they are formed, they are distinguished:

• median – located strictly in the center of the disc, therefore they can provoke the occurrence of characteristic symptoms on both the right and left sides of the body;
• paramedian - slightly shifted from the central axis to the left or right, and therefore cause disturbances on the corresponding side;
• foraminal - formed in the narrow natural openings of the vertebrae through which nerve fibers pass, which leads to severe pain and neurological disorders even at the stage of formation of C6-C7 disc protrusion;
• diffuse - the entire posterior surface of the disc protrudes, which leads to the appearance of the most severe bilateral symptoms.

Sequestered intervertebral hernias of C6-C7 are also identified. They are considered as a complication of dorsal hernias and represent a part of the nucleus pulposus separated from the disc, which is able to move freely along the spinal canal, compressing the spinal roots and spinal cord in any place and causing severe neurological disorders. Therefore, the formation of sequestration is always regarded as an indication for immediate surgery. Conservative treatment of sequestered C6-C7 hernias is absolutely ineffective and dangerous.

Causes of herniated intervertebral discs

The main factors provoking the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, and then hernia, are:

• neck injuries;
• circulatory disorders;
• neck muscle spasms or weakness;
• slouch;
• vertebral instability;
• obesity;
• genetic predisposition;
• sedentary lifestyle.

The neck and its 6th and 7th vertebrae bear a lot of strain when sitting and working at a computer.

Symptoms

The main sign of the formation of a C6-C7 disc herniation is the occurrence of pain of varying intensity. Initially, they are aching in nature and appear rarely, mainly after physical exertion or a long stay in a position with a bowed head. But gradually the pain intensifies, and when the spinal roots are pinched, they begin to radiate to the arms and shoulders.

This may also be accompanied by the occurrence of disturbances in the functioning of muscles and organs, for the innervation of which the nerves located at the level of this spinal motion segment are responsible. Therefore, with an intervertebral hernia of the cervical spine C6-C7, the following may occur:

• pain in the neck, shoulders, back of the head;
• limited mobility of arms and shoulders;
• changes in the functioning of the thyroid gland, which can lead to the development of hypothyroidism;
• dizziness;
• weakening of the triceps muscle reflex;
• numbness of the hands and neck.

If a hernia compresses one or both vertebral arteries, surges in blood pressure and development of cerebral ischemia may occur, which can lead to stroke and impaired brain function.

Conditions of accommodation at the Gelenk Clinic

Orthopedic medical center Gelenk-Klinik in Germany, private ward.
During your inpatient stay at the clinic, you are in a separate room with a shower and toilet. In addition, we provide you with towels, a robe and slippers. There is a TV in the room. You only need to bring your own medications, comfortable clothes and nightwear. After surgery, we guarantee 24-hour care from qualified nursing staff and experienced physiotherapists. Generally, the length of hospital stay is 4 days. Your family members can stay in a hotel, which is located a few steps from the clinic. We will be happy to take care of your hotel room reservation.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of intervertebral hernias, including C6-C7, is the responsibility of chiropractors, neurologists and vertebrologists. At the first consultation, the doctor conducts a thorough survey of the patient, finding out the nature of the existing complaints and working conditions. He will be interested in whether there have been spinal injuries before, what concomitant diseases there are and a number of other nuances.

After taking a medical history, the doctor will examine the patient, palpate the neck and perform specific neurological tests that will help determine the presence and severity of neurological deficits. This is usually enough to suspect the formation of a C6-C7 hernia. But to confirm the diagnosis, as well as obtain accurate data on the size, type of protrusion, condition of the spinal cord and nerves, the patient must undergo:

• X-ray of the cervical spine in two projections;
• CT;
• MRI.

The most reliable data is provided by magnetic resonance imaging or MRI. But if this method cannot be used due to pregnancy, the patient has an implanted pacemaker or other implants made of magnetizable materials, the patient is referred to a CT scan or x-ray. But these methods are able to show changes in bone tissue, while the most interesting for doctors in case of intervertebral herniation are the features of the discs and spinal cord at the level of the affected spinal motion segment.

In our clinic, you can also learn in more detail about the composition of your body and the state of the vascular system, which is involved in the blood supply to internal organs, skeletal muscles, and the brain. Our experienced doctors will explain the data obtained to you in detail. Bioimpendansometry calculates the ratio of fat, muscle, bone and skeletal mass, total fluid in the body, and basal metabolic rate. The intensity of recommended physical activity depends on the state of muscle mass. Metabolic processes, in turn, affect the body's ability to recover. Based on the indicators of active cell mass, one can judge the level of physical activity and nutritional balance. This simple and quick test helps us identify disturbances in the endocrine system and take the necessary measures. In addition, it is also very important for us to know the condition of blood vessels for the prevention of diseases such as heart attacks, hypertension, heart failure, diabetes and much more. Angioscan allows you to determine such important indicators as the biological age of blood vessels, their stiffness, stress index (which indicates heart rate), and blood oxygen saturation. Such screening will be useful for men and women over 30, athletes, those undergoing long-term and severe treatment, as well as everyone who monitors their health.

In this case, body composition analysis gives us information that adipose tissue predominates in the body, and the musculoskeletal component is in relative deficiency. These data will help the rehabilitation doctor competently draw up a physical activity plan, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

How much does cervical spine osteoarthritis surgery cost?

In addition to the cost of surgical treatment, it is also necessary to take into account the costs of diagnostics, doctor's appointments, as well as additional resources, such as the Shants collar splint. If you are planning to undergo physiotherapy in Germany, we will be happy to arrange appointments with highly qualified physiotherapists and provide you with a preliminary cost estimate.

Information regarding the cost of hotel accommodation, as well as subsequent treatment in a rehabilitation clinic, can be found on the website of the medical institution itself. We will be happy to help you organize rehabilitation treatment in Germany.

Treatment of C6-C7 hernia without surgery

If the hernia has not yet reached a large size and has not undergone sequestration, treatment always begins with the use of conservative methods. With the correct selection of treatment strategy, it is often possible to achieve good results and significantly improve the patient’s condition.

Almost always, conservative treatment is complex. But exactly which components will be used in a particular case, the doctor determines individually based on the size, location of the hernia and the severity of neurological disorders.

Components of conservative therapy may include:

• drug therapy;
• osteopathy;
• manual therapy;
• massage;
• physiotherapy (phonophoresis, carboxytherapy, ozone therapy);
• individual sessions with a rehabilitation doctor.

Patients are definitely advised to change their lifestyle and habits. Thus, for office workers and representatives of other “sedentary” professions, it is recommended to take a break from work every hour and do a light warm-up or at least walk for 5-15 minutes. If, on the contrary, a person is engaged in heavy physical labor, it is worth considering the possibility of reducing the load on the neck or changing the type of activity.

If you are overweight, it is recommended, together with a nutritionist, to develop a diet that will ensure that the body receives all the necessary substances, but will not be high in calories. With the help of a properly designed diet, it is possible not only to gradually reduce weight, but also to maintain it at the desired levels without making much effort.

In some cases, the neurologist recommends wearing a special neck brace - the Chance collar. It will reduce the load on the neck muscles and create conditions for the restoration of the affected C6-C7 disc.

Drug therapy

The main objectives of drug treatment are to eliminate pain, inflammation and create conditions for the natural processes of disc restoration to take place fully. Therefore, patients are prescribed a complex of medications, including drugs from the following groups:

• NSAIDs are medications designed to reduce the severity of pain and have an anti-inflammatory effect;
• muscle relaxants – a group of drugs that reduce increased muscle tone, which is the body’s reflex response to pain and increases it;
• corticosteroids – drugs with pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, prescribed in short courses;
• B vitamins – improve the conductivity of bioelectric impulses along nerve fibers;
• chondroprotectors are drugs that promote the restoration of cartilage tissue, but the effectiveness of their use for intervertebral hernias is highly questionable.

If the patient suffers from severe pain in the neck, they can be quickly relieved with the help of blockades. The procedure involves injecting anesthetic solutions along with corticosteroids directly into the area where the pinched nerve fibers pass. It is performed only in a medical facility by experienced specialists, as it requires specific knowledge and skills. An error by medical staff when performing a blockade can result in disastrous consequences for the patient.

Exercise therapy

Therapeutic exercise is widely used in the treatment of intervertebral hernias C6-C7. Exercises specially selected taking into account the size, location of the protrusion and the level of physical development of the patient help strengthen the neck muscles, which creates reliable support for the spine. Exercise therapy also activates blood circulation and increases the intensity of metabolic processes.

But for each patient, a set of exercises must be developed strictly individually by a rehabilitation physician in strict accordance with his diagnosis. Moreover, the first classes are conducted under the supervision of a specialist who will help you master the correct technique for performing each exercise and will outline a program for further increasing the load.

When practicing physical therapy, it is important to perform all movements slowly, avoiding sudden jerks and turns. If you experience discomfort or pain in the neck, you should immediately consult your doctor.

Physiotherapy

To reduce the severity of the inflammatory process, pain, activate blood circulation and improve the general condition of patients, courses are prescribed:

• electrophoresis;
• laser therapy;
• ultrasound therapy;
• traction therapy (spinal traction);
• UHF.

Traction therapy or spinal traction may also be used. The essence of the method is to use a special device that creates a tensile load on the spine, as a result of which the distance between the vertebral bodies increases and the pressure on the C6-C7 intervertebral disc decreases. This not only creates conditions for effective disc restoration processes, but also helps reduce pain.

Prevention

In order to prevent the development or exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to regularly engage in prevention. Doctors recommend:

• to live an active lifestyle;
• maintain posture;
• strengthen the muscles of the back and neck;
• adhere to a balanced and rational diet;
• sleep in the correct and comfortable position;
• Take breaks periodically if work involves prolonged sitting.

If the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Specialists at the Yusupov Hospital have been diagnosing and treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system for many years. All studies and therapy are prescribed taking into account international standards. To get an appointment with a doctor, you must call in advance. Hospital administrators will answer all your questions.