What nerves are affected by C1 and C2?

C1, C2, and C3 (the first three cervical nerves) help control the head and neck, including movements forward, backward, and to the sides. The C2 dermatome handles sensation for the upper part of the head, and the C3 dermatome covers the side of the face and back of the head. (C1 does not have a dermatome.)

Is there a C1 Dermatome?

There are 8 cervical nerves (note C1 has with no dermatome), 12 thoracic nerves, 5 lumbar nerves and 5 sacral nerves.

What connects C1 to C2?

The C1 and C2 vertebrae are connected in the back by a pair of facet joints. The ring-shaped atlas rotates around the dens, which is the peg-like bony projection of the axis.

What is C1 and C2 responsible for?

The C1 and C2 vertebrae function together to give your head flexibility. With the atlas and axis relationship, you are able to swivel and rotate your head, as well as support your head. These two vertebrae are more responsible for the head’s rotational range of motion than from any other joint.

What causes C1 misalignment?

A misalignment at C0-C1-C2 can also come from sitting at a desk with poor posture, birth trauma, or falling out of a tree when you are a child. However, the most common way we see large trauma produced is from a concussion from either sports or work related injuries, or a car accident.

What nerves affect C2?

The C2 nerves affect sensation at the top and back of the scalp, ear lobes, and front of the neck. They also affect the muscles used for neck flexion (nodding).

What muscles are innervated by C1?

Muscles innervated by this nerve are:

• Geniohyoid muscle- through Hypoglossal nerve.
• Rectus capitis anterior muscle.
• Longus capitis muscle (partly)
• Rectus capitis lateralis muscle.
• Splenius cervicis muscle (partly)
• Rectus capitis posterior major muscle.
• levator scapulae muscle (partly)

What is L1 Dermatome?

Lumbar nerves and their dermatomes L1: the groin, upper hips, and lower back. L2: the lower back, hips, and tops of the inner thighs. L3: the lower back, inner thighs, and inner legs just below the knees. L4: the backs of the knees, inner sections of the lower legs, and the heels.

How do you release C1 and C2?

Some common nonsurgical treatments for C1-C2 include:

1. Medication.
2. Immobilization.
3. Physical therapy.
4. Chiropractic manipulation.
5. Traction refers to stretching and/or realigning the spine to relieve direct nerve pressure and stress on the vertebral levels.