Cervical plexus

Organization and role

Cutaneous branches supply different neck and shoulder regions. The phrenic nerve receives C3–C5 fibers, chiefly C4, and provides essential motor supply to the diaphragm.

Clinical relevance and investigation

Neck pain does not necessarily imply plexus damage. A deficit after trauma or surgery requires neurological localization and investigation of its cause.

Points to consider

A root, plexus and peripheral nerve are different levels of the nervous system. Limb pain alone cannot distinguish them. The distribution of sensory changes, weakness and altered reflexes helps localize a problem.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Ventral ramus of the spinal nerve — Anterior mixed branch of a spinal nerve supplying the anterolateral trunk and limbs, directly or through nerve plexuses.
• Brachial plexus — Nerve network usually formed by the C5–T1 ventral rami, distributing motor and sensory fibers to the upper limb.
• Dorsal ramus of the spinal nerve — Posterior mixed branch of a spinal nerve supplying deep back muscles, some joints and part of the skin of the back.

Medical references

1. OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — The Peripheral Nervous System.
2. Radiological Society of North America. RadLex Radiology Lexicon — terminology resource.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.