Cervical Spine | C6, C7, C8 Vertebrae | Spinal Cord Injury | Fracture

“Damage to the C6, C7, or C8 levels of the cervical spine can significantly affect arm, hand, and trunk function, with outcomes ranging from partial independence to severe disability depending on injury severity. This page explains these injuries in clear, medically reviewed terms while offering practical insight for patients, families, and caregivers navigating recovery.

Understanding how injuries at these levels differ is critical. The C6 and C7 vertebrae, along with the C8 spinal nerve, form the lowest portion of the cervical spine and directly influence arm and hand movement. These lower cervical injuries can also impact breathing strength and many vital body functions below the injury site, making accurate diagnosis and tailored rehabilitation essential

The C6 and C7 vertebrae, along with the C8 nerve root, form the lower portion of the cervical spine near the base of the neck. Damage at these levels may limit movement and sensation in the arms, wrists, hands, trunk, and legs, depending on severity. Like all spinal cord injuries, they are classified as either complete or incomplete, with outcomes shaped by the extent of damage, timeliness of treatment, and ongoing rehabilitation.

Though they often have better outcomes than higher cervical spine injuries, C6-C8 spinal nerve injuries are still considered incredibly severe because more damage is caused to the central nervous system the higher up in the spine the spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs. As is the case with any spinal cord injury, the damage is characterized as complete or incomplete depending on the severity.

C6 Spinal Vertebra Defined

The C6 spinal vertebra is part of the cervical spinal cord, located in the lowest region of the neck. The C6 nerve roots, which exit the spinal column between the C6 vertebra and the C7 vertebra, directly affects the control of the muscles in the forearms and wrists.

C7 Spinal Vertebra Defined

The C7 vertebra sits directly below the C6 spinal vertebra and is part of the lower levels of the cervical spine, near the base of the neck. It is the last vertebral level in the cervical spine column, which includes levels C1 - C7.

C8 Spinal Nerve Defined

The C8 level corresponds to the region in which nerve roots exit the spine between the cervical spine's C7 vertebra and the thoracic spine's T1 vertebra. There is not a corresponding vertebra for C8. This nerve root is responsible for controlling muscles in the fingers and hands.