A congenital abnormality in which the lowest of the 7 cervical vertebrae (neck bones) has overdeveloped to form an extra rib parallel to and above the 1st normal rib. Symptoms may occur if the rib begins to press on the lower brachial plexus (the group of nerves passing from the spinal cord into the arm), causing pain, numbness, and pinsand-needles in the forearm and hand. Exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve posture may bring relief. Severe or persistent symptoms may require surgery to remove the rib.
Cervical rib |
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