C3 C4 C5 Definitions. Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Recovery.

C3 Vertebrae Injury, C4 Vertebrae Injury, and C5 Vertebrae Injury are all defined. C3, C4, & C5 Vertebrae Anatomy is described. Cervical Spinal Injury treatments, as well as C3 Vertebrae, C4 Vertebrae, C5 Vertebrae recoveries are all discussed.

C3 Spinal Vertebra Defined
The C2 - C3 junction of the spinal column is important, as this is where flexion and extension occur (flexion is the movement of the chin toward the chest and extension is the backward movement of the head). Patients with a cervical vertebrae injury at the C3 level will have limited mobility in both their flexion and extension.
The C3 vertebra is in line with the lower section of the jaw and hyoid bone, which holds the tongue in place. The flexible C3 vertebrae helps aid in the bending and rotation of the neck.
C4 Spinal Vertebra Defined
This central portion of the spinal cord, which relates to the C4 vertebra, contains nerves that run to the diaphragm, which helps us breathe by contracting and pulling air into the lungs. The C4 vertebra is located in the neck region of the spinal column, just above the thoracic vertebrae. It is located in close proximity to the thyroid cartilage.
C5 Spinal Vertebra Defined
The C5 spinal vertebra is the fifth vertebra from the top of the column. The C5 vertebra is significant for determining the severity of neck and spinal injury. If the injury is at or above the C5 vertebra, the person may be unable to breathe since the spinal cord nerves located between the third and fifth cervical vertebrae control respiration. Damage to the spinal cord at the C5 vertebra also affects the vocal cords, biceps, and deltoid muscles in the upper arms.
C3, C4, & C5 Vertebrae Anatomy
Cervical vertebrae from C3 through C6 are also known as typical vertebrae since they share similar anatomical characteristics to the other vertebrae further down the spinal column. Typical vertebrae share these features:
Vertebral Body
The thick boned vertebral body is cylindrical-shaped and located at the front of the vertebra. It carries most of the weight for a vertebra. Most vertebrae feature an intervertebral disc between 2 vertebral bodies for cushioning and shock absorption.
Vertebral Arch
The vertebral arch is a bony curve that wraps around the spinal cord toward the back of the spine and consists of 2 pedicles and 2 laminae.
Facet Joints
Each vertebra has a pair of facet joints, also known as zygapophysial joints. These joints, located between the pedicle and lamina on each side of the vertebral arch, are lined with smooth cartilage to enable limited movement between 2 vertebrae. Spinal degeneration or injury to the facet joints are among the most common causes of chronic neck pain.
Functions of C3, C4, & C5 Vertebrae
These vertebrae form the midsection of the cervical spine, near the base of the neck. They control function to the body from the shoulders down. All three vertebrae work together to support the neck and head.
Causes of Cervical Spinal Injuries
The most common causes of cervical vertebrae injury and spinal cord damage include a spinal fracture from diving accidents and sports, as well as medical complications. Other common causes include:
• Tumors
• Trauma
• Birth defects
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Infections or diseases
• Slip and fall incidents
C3, C4, and C5 Injury Symptoms
Symptoms of a C3 Level Spinal Cord Injury
Symptoms of a spinal cord injury corresponding to C3 vertebrae include:
• Limited range of motion
• Loss of diaphragm function
• Requirement of a ventilator for breathing
• Paralysis in arms, hands, torso, and legs
• Trouble controlling bladder and bowel function
Symptoms of a C4 Level Spinal Cord Injury
Patients with C4 spinal cord injuries typically need 24 hour-a-day support to breathe and maintain oxygen levels. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury corresponding to C4 vertebrae include:
• Loss of diaphragm function
• Potential requirement of a ventilator for breathing
• Limited range of motion
• Paralysis in arms, hands, torso, and legs
• Trouble controlling bladder and bowel function
Symptoms of a C5 Level Spinal Cord Injury
Damage to the spinal cord at the C5 vertebra affects the vocal cords, biceps, and deltoid muscles in the upper arms. Unlike some of the higher cervical injuries, a patient with a C5 spinal cord injury will likely be able to breathe and speak on their own. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury corresponding to C5 vertebrae include:
• Retaining the ability to speak and breathe without assistance, though respiration may be weak
• Paralysis in the torso, legs, wrists, and hands
• Paralysis may be experienced on one or both sides of the body
• Patients may be able to raise their arms and/or bend their elbows
• Patients will need assistance with daily living, but may have some independent function

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