What is C5 Palsy? - Symptoms, Causes, Recovery, Treatment

The area of the spinal column that is responsible for providing support to the neck is called the cervical spine. There are eight nerves that arise from the space in between the vertebrae in the cervical spine. These cervical nerves are designated by the letters C1 through C8. Each cervical nerve supplies to a distinct region of the body and contributes to the sensory, motor, and organ functions of the body. In the event that a nerve is injured, symptoms may manifest in the parts of the body that are served by that nerve.

The motor function of the shoulder and arm muscles is provided by the C4 and C5 nerves, respectively. Muscle weakness may occur if one or both of these nerves are damaged. The enervation of the levator scapulae, trapezius, and rhomboid muscles is specifically provided by the C4 nerve. Shoulder raising may be challenging if the C4 nerve is damaged. The deltoid, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus muscles, as well as the biceps, receive their nerve supply from the C5 nerve. When the C5 nerve is damaged, it can impair a person's ability to raise their arm or bend it at the elbow.

What is C5 Palsy?

It is defined as de novo or progressive muscle weakness in the C5 region following cervical spine surgery, with minor or zero sensory loss. The following traits are associated with C5 palsy:

1. The C5 location is associated with sensory disruption or excruciating pain in 50% of individuals
2. The majority of people suffer from hemilateral palsy
3. The majority of palsies manifest one week after surgery
4. Both the front and rear pathways to the cervical spine have the nearly same occurrence
5. Survival rates are typically very high, especially in people who experience significant muscle weakness.

C5 Palsy Symptoms

This illness can cause partial or total paralysis of the muscles of the shoulder, arm, and hand, depending on the severity of the symptoms. In addition, people who have C5 palsy may feel sensations like burning or stinging. C5 palsy frequently manifests as muscle weakness in the shoulder and arm as well as trouble completing daily tasks like dressing or combing one's hair. Depending on the extent of the implicated nerve damage, the symptoms might range in intensity from slight numbness to acute pain or paralysis. Lack of range of motion and diminished grip strength are possible additional symptoms of this illness.

C5 Palsy Causes 

One of the most evident causes of C5 palsy that is directly related to surgical operations is nerve tissue contusion caused by an air drill when surgery is being performed. Most of the time, this happens after a hard hit, like in a car accident or fight. In these cases, cervical fractures are often observed. Medical procedures are another frequent cause. If vertebrae are relocated during some spinal operations or epidural treatments, the C5 nerve root may be subjected to enough pressure to produce weakness and paralysis in the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers. C5 Palsy can also develop as a result of tumors or conditions that stress the nerve root, such as disc herniation.

C5 Palsy Treatment

Physical therapists frequently prescribe activities designed to enhance neural pathways between the spinal cord and muscle in order to cure C5 palsy and alleviate its symptoms. Typically, they employ a variety of passive range of motion exercises and manual therapy procedures to enhance the strength and flexibility of afflicted nerves. Other therapeutic approaches may involve the use of electrical stimulation to stimulate abnormally reacting muscles. Whenever it is necessary, surgery may also be recommended because, in some instances, it might encourage the regeneration of nerves.