Back to Healio The thinner diameter of the C5 nerve root may be the reason it is more susceptible to damage during cervical surgery than the C6 or C7 nerve roots, according to researchers.

Bilateral nerve roots emanate from each level above the corresponding vertebral body. For example, the C5 nerve root exits the spine at the C4–C5 neural foramen and thus is affected by ...

Likewise, damage to the C5 nerve root (called C5 palsy) may occur from cervical spinal decompressive surgery. This complication causes weakness, numbness, and pain in the shoulders. Very rarely ...

Note the large disk herniation between the C5 and C6 vertebral bodies. On the axial scan, the disk herniation is posterior lateral to the right, compressing the exiting C6 nerve root. Also note the ...