In most cases, there is pain immediately after the injury which is often described as a burning or “knife-like” stabbing pain. Many of the deeper neck extensors and rotators such as the splenius capitus and splenius cervicis as well as the trapezius, rhomboids and serratus posterior muscles have C7 attachment points. The C7 vertebra is right in the middle of transition from the cervical spine to the thoracic spine and is home to many fascial attachments and muscular attachments from the neck and shoulder girdle. More importantly, the spinous processes are there as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments.Ĭ7 is the largest cervical vertebrae in the neck. The role of the spinous process, particularly in the cervical region, is to help limit cervical hyper extension. This occurs when the end of the spinous process is either broken off by a physical impact (as in the case of Jennifer’s son when the barbell hit his neck) OR as a result of the muscle pulling so hard that it breaks the bone and literally tears off part of the spinous process. This particular fracture is also known as a Clay Shoveler’s Fracture. One should never take unwarranted risks when evaluating spinal injuries. I’m glad that the injury was taken seriously with appropriate medical follow up. This was confirmed by the physician’s physical exam, X-rays, and CT Scan. Although close to the lamina of the vertebra (which has a primary role of protecting the spinal cord), it was not injured. Right: CT Scan of C7 fracture.)Īs you can notice on the imaging provided, only the spinous process was injured.

Spinous processes