What does nerve C8 control?

The C8 nerve contributes to the motor innervation of many of the muscles in the trunk and upper limb. Its primary function is the flexion of the fingers, and this is used as the clinical test for C8 integrity, in conjunction with the finger jerk reflex.

Is there a C8 in the cervical spine?

There are 8 pairs of spinal nerves in the cervical spine, labeled C1 to C8. Each one is named after the vertebra beneath it, except the C8 nerves, which are above the T1 vertebra.

What does C8 vertebrae control?

C8 helps control the hands, such as finger flexion (handgrip). The C8 dermatome covers the pinky side of the hand and forearm.

What nerves are affected by C8?

Regarding the motor functions served by the C8–T1 roots and ulnar nerve, all but five intrinsic hand muscles are innervated by the latter. The abductor and flexor pollicis brevis, opponens pollicis, and lateral two lumbricals are innervated by C8–T1 via the median nerve, entering the hand through the carpal tunnel.

How common is C8 radiculopathy?

CONCLUSIONS: C8 radiculopathy was an uncommon diagnosis accounting for 2% of diagnoses from 5,995 EMGs performed over an 8-year period.

How do I find my C8 vertebrae?

Where Does Spinal Nerve C8 Exist? The spinal nerve C8 extends from the spinal column from below the C7 vertebra and between it and the T1 vertebra. This spinal nerve serves as both a sensory root and motor root. A C7 vertebrae pain or disc injury may indicate the C8 nerve is also at risk at being compressed or pinched.

How do you fix C8 nerve pain?

Nonsurgical Treatments

  1. Rest or activity modification.
  2. Physical therapy.
  3. Ice and/or heat therapy.
  4. Medications.
  5. Cervical epidural steroid injection.
  6. Manual manipulation.
  7. Cervical traction.