Dermatomes Diagram: Spinal Nerves and Locations

A dermatome is an area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, forming nerve roots that branch from your spinal cord.

Your spinal nerves help to relay sensory, motor, and autonomic information between the rest of your body and your central nervous system (CNS).

So why are dermatomes important? How many are there? And where can they be found? Continue reading as we answer these questions and more.

Each of your dermatomes is supplied by a single spinal nerve. Let’s take a closer look at both of these components of the body.

Your spinal nerves

Spinal nerves are part of your peripheral nervous system (PNS). Your PNS works to connect the rest of your body with your CNS, which is made up of your brain and spinal cord.

You have 31 pairs of spinal nerves. They form nerve roots that branch from your spinal cord. Spinal nerves are named and grouped by the region of the spine that they’re associated with.

The five groups of spinal nerves are:

• Cervical nerves. There are eight pairs of these cervical nerves, numbered C1 through C8. They originate from your neck.
• Thoracic nerves. You have 12 pairs of thoracic nerves that are numbered T1 through T12. They originate in the part of your spine that makes up your torso.
• Lumbar nerves. There are five pairs of lumbar spinal nerves, designated L1 through L5. They come from the part of your spine that makes up your lower back.
• Sacral nerves. Like the lumbar spinal nerves, you also have five pairs of sacral spinal nerves. They’re associated with your sacrum, which is one of the bones found in your pelvis.
• Coccygeal nerves. You only have a single pair of coccygeal spinal nerves. This pair of nerves originates from the area of your coccyx, or tailbone.

Your dermatomes

Each of your dermatomes is associated with a single spinal nerve. These nerves transmit sensations, such as pain, from a specific area of your skin to your CNS.

Your body has 30 dermatomes. You may have noticed that this is one less than the number of spinal nerves. This is because the C1 spinal nerve typically doesn’t have a sensory root. As a result, dermatomes begin with spinal nerve C2.

Dermatomes have a segmented distribution throughout your body. The exact dermatome pattern can actually vary from person to person. Some overlap between neighboring dermatomes may also occur.

Because your spinal nerves exit your spine laterally, dermatomes associated with your torso and core are distributed horizontally. When viewed on a body map, they appear very much like stacked discs.

The dermatome pattern in the limbs is slightly different. This is due to the shape of the limbs as compared with the rest of the body. In general, dermatomes associated with your limbs run vertically along the long axis of the limbs, such as down your leg.

Your dermatomes are numbered based on which spinal nerve they correspond to. Below, we’ll outline each dermatome and the area of the body that it’s associated with.

Remember that the exact area that a dermatome may cover can vary by individual. Some overlap is also possible. As such, consider the outline below to be a general guide.

Cervical spinal nerves

• C2: lower jaw, back of the head
• C3: upper neck, back of the head
• C4: lower neck, upper shoulders
• C5: area of the collarbones, upper shoulders
• C6: shoulders, outside of arm, thumb
• C7: upper back, back of arm, pointer and middle finger
• C8: upper back, inside of arm, ring and little finger

Thoracic spinal nerves

• T1: upper chest and back, armpit, front of arm
• T2: upper chest and back
• T3: upper chest and back
• T4: upper chest (area of nipples) and back
• T5: mid-chest and back
• T6: mid-chest and back
• T7: mid-chest and back
• T8: upper abdomen and mid-back
• T9: upper abdomen and mid-back
• T10: abdomen (area of belly button) and mid-back
• T11: abdomen and mid-back
• T12: lower abdomen and mid-back

Lumbar spinal nerves

• L1: lower back, hips, groin
• L2: lower back, front and inside of thigh
• L3: lower back, front and inside of thigh
• L4: lower back, front of thigh and calf, area of knee, inside of ankle
• L5: lower back, front and outside of calf, top and bottom of foot, first four toes

Sacral spinal nerves

• S1: lower back, back of thigh, back and inside of calf, last toe
• S2: buttocks, genitals, back of thigh and calf
• S3: buttocks, genitals
• S4: buttocks
• S5: buttocks

Coccygeal spinal nerves

buttocks, area of tailbone

Dermatomes are important because they can help to assess and diagnose a variety of conditions. For instance, symptoms that occur along a specific dermatome may indicate a problem with a specific nerve root in the spine.

Examples of this include:

• Radiculopathies. This refers to conditions in which a nerve root in the spine is compressed or pinched. Symptoms can include pain, weakness, and tingling sensations. Pain from radiculopathies can follow one or more dermatomes. One form of a radiculopathy is sciatica.
• Shingles. Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella zoster (chickenpox) virus that lies dormant in the nerve roots of your body. Symptoms of shingles, such as pain and a rash, occur along dermatomes associated with the affected nerve root.

Dermatomes are areas of skin that are connected to a single spinal nerve. You have 31 spinal nerves and 30 dermatomes. The exact area that each dermatome covers can be different from person to person.

Spinal nerves help to relay information from other parts of your body to your central nervous system. As such, each dermatome transmits sensory details from a particular area of skin back to your brain.

Dermatomes can be helpful in evaluating and diagnosing conditions affecting the spine or nerve roots. Experiencing symptoms along a specific dermatome can help inform doctors about which area of the spine may be affected.

Dermatomes Diagram: Spinal Nerves and Locations

A dermatome is an area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, forming nerve roots that branch from your spinal cord.

Your spinal nerves help to relay sensory, motor, and autonomic information between the rest of your body and your central nervous system (CNS).

So why are dermatomes important? How many are there? And where can they be found? Continue reading as we answer these questions and more.

Each of your dermatomes is supplied by a single spinal nerve. Let’s take a closer look at both of these components of the body.

Your spinal nerves

Spinal nerves are part of your peripheral nervous system (PNS). Your PNS works to connect the rest of your body with your CNS, which is made up of your brain and spinal cord.

You have 31 pairs of spinal nerves. They form nerve roots that branch from your spinal cord. Spinal nerves are named and grouped by the region of the spine that they’re associated with.

The five groups of spinal nerves are:

• Cervical nerves. There are eight pairs of these cervical nerves, numbered C1 through C8. They originate from your neck.
• Thoracic nerves. You have 12 pairs of thoracic nerves that are numbered T1 through T12. They originate in the part of your spine that makes up your torso.
• Lumbar nerves. There are five pairs of lumbar spinal nerves, designated L1 through L5. They come from the part of your spine that makes up your lower back.
• Sacral nerves. Like the lumbar spinal nerves, you also have five pairs of sacral spinal nerves. They’re associated with your sacrum, which is one of the bones found in your pelvis.
• Coccygeal nerves. You only have a single pair of coccygeal spinal nerves. This pair of nerves originates from the area of your coccyx, or tailbone.

Your dermatomes

Each of your dermatomes is associated with a single spinal nerve. These nerves transmit sensations, such as pain, from a specific area of your skin to your CNS.

Your body has 30 dermatomes. You may have noticed that this is one less than the number of spinal nerves. This is because the C1 spinal nerve typically doesn’t have a sensory root. As a result, dermatomes begin with spinal nerve C2.

Dermatomes have a segmented distribution throughout your body. The exact dermatome pattern can actually vary from person to person. Some overlap between neighboring dermatomes may also occur.

Because your spinal nerves exit your spine laterally, dermatomes associated with your torso and core are distributed horizontally. When viewed on a body map, they appear very much like stacked discs.

The dermatome pattern in the limbs is slightly different. This is due to the shape of the limbs as compared with the rest of the body. In general, dermatomes associated with your limbs run vertically along the long axis of the limbs, such as down your leg.

Your dermatomes are numbered based on which spinal nerve they correspond to. Below, we’ll outline each dermatome and the area of the body that it’s associated with.

Remember that the exact area that a dermatome may cover can vary by individual. Some overlap is also possible. As such, consider the outline below to be a general guide.

Cervical spinal nerves

• C2: lower jaw, back of the head
• C3: upper neck, back of the head
• C4: lower neck, upper shoulders
• C5: area of the collarbones, upper shoulders
• C6: shoulders, outside of arm, thumb
• C7: upper back, back of arm, pointer and middle finger
• C8: upper back, inside of arm, ring and little finger

Thoracic spinal nerves

• T1: upper chest and back, armpit, front of arm
• T2: upper chest and back
• T3: upper chest and back
• T4: upper chest (area of nipples) and back
• T5: mid-chest and back
• T6: mid-chest and back
• T7: mid-chest and back
• T8: upper abdomen and mid-back
• T9: upper abdomen and mid-back
• T10: abdomen (area of belly button) and mid-back
• T11: abdomen and mid-back
• T12: lower abdomen and mid-back

Lumbar spinal nerves

• L1: lower back, hips, groin
• L2: lower back, front and inside of thigh
• L3: lower back, front and inside of thigh
• L4: lower back, front of thigh and calf, area of knee, inside of ankle
• L5: lower back, front and outside of calf, top and bottom of foot, first four toes

Sacral spinal nerves

• S1: lower back, back of thigh, back and inside of calf, last toe
• S2: buttocks, genitals, back of thigh and calf
• S3: buttocks, genitals
• S4: buttocks
• S5: buttocks

Coccygeal spinal nerves

buttocks, area of tailbone

Dermatomes are important because they can help to assess and diagnose a variety of conditions. For instance, symptoms that occur along a specific dermatome may indicate a problem with a specific nerve root in the spine.

Examples of this include:

• Radiculopathies. This refers to conditions in which a nerve root in the spine is compressed or pinched. Symptoms can include pain, weakness, and tingling sensations. Pain from radiculopathies can follow one or more dermatomes. One form of a radiculopathy is sciatica.
• Shingles. Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella zoster (chickenpox) virus that lies dormant in the nerve roots of your body. Symptoms of shingles, such as pain and a rash, occur along dermatomes associated with the affected nerve root.

Dermatomes are areas of skin that are connected to a single spinal nerve. You have 31 spinal nerves and 30 dermatomes. The exact area that each dermatome covers can be different from person to person.

Spinal nerves help to relay information from other parts of your body to your central nervous system. As such, each dermatome transmits sensory details from a particular area of skin back to your brain.

Dermatomes can be helpful in evaluating and diagnosing conditions affecting the spine or nerve roots. Experiencing symptoms along a specific dermatome can help inform doctors about which area of the spine may be affected.

Anatomy and physiology of the spine

Anatomy and physiology of the spine

The human spine is a very complex mechanism, the correct operation of which affects the functioning of all other mechanisms of the body.

The spine (from the Latin “columna vertebralis”, a synonym for the spinal column) consists of 32 – 33 vertebrae (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, connected to the sacrum, and 3 – 4 coccygeal), between which there are 23 intervertebral discs.

Ligamentous-muscular apparatus, intervertebral discs, joints connect the vertebrae to each other. They allow you to keep it upright and provide the necessary freedom of movement. When walking, running and jumping, the elastic properties of the intervertebral discs significantly soften the shocks and shocks transmitted to the spine, spinal cord and brain.

The physiological curves of the body create additional elasticity for the spine and help soften the load on the spinal column.

The spine is the main supporting structure of our body. Without a spine, a person could not walk or even stand. Another important function of the spine is to protect the spinal cord. The high incidence of spinal diseases in modern man is mainly due to his “upright posture”, as well as a high level of injuries.

Spine : The spine is divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum and coccyx. In the process of growth and development of the spine, cervical and lumbar lordosis, thoracic and sacrococcygeal kyphosis are formed, turning the spine into a “spring system” that resists vertical loads. In medical terminology, for brevity, the Latin letter “C” – C1 – C7 is used to designate the cervical vertebrae, “Th” – Th2 – Th22 is used to designate the thoracic vertebrae, and the lumbar vertebrae are indicated by the letter “L” – L1 – L5.

Neck. This is the uppermost section of the spinal column. It is characterized by special mobility, which provides such a variety and freedom of movement of the head. The two upper cervical vertebrae, with the beautiful names atlas and axis, have an anatomical structure that is different from the structure of all other vertebrae. Thanks to the presence of these vertebrae, a person can make turns and tilts of the head.

Thoracic. 12 pairs of ribs are attached to this section. The thoracic spine is involved in the formation of the posterior chest wall, which is the seat of vital organs. In this regard, the thoracic spine is inactive.

Lumbar. This section consists of the most massive vertebrae, as they bear the greatest load. Some people have a sixth lumbar vertebra. Doctors call this phenomenon lumbarization. But in most cases, such an anomaly has no clinical significance. 8-10 vertebrae fuse to form the sacrum and coccyx.

Treatment of radicular syndrome of the lumbosacral spine in Moscow at the Dikul clinic: prices, appointments

Treatment of radicular syndrome of the lumbosacral spine in Moscow at the Dikul clinic: prices, appointments | Dikul Center

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• Back treatment
• Radicular syndrome treatment
• Lumbar radicular syndrome

Lumbar radiculopathy (radicular syndrome) is a neurological condition caused by compression of one of the roots L1-S1, which is characterized by the presence of pain in the lower back radiating to the leg. Root compression can be manifested not only by pain (sometimes shooting through), but also by a violation of sensitivity, numbness, paresthesia or muscle weakness. Radiculopathy (radicular syndrome) can occur in any part of the spine, but it most often occurs in the lumbar region. Lumbo-sacral radiculopathy occurs in approximately 3-5% of the population, both in men and women, but, as a rule, in men the syndrome occurs at the age of 40 years, and in women the syndrome develops between the ages of 50 and 60 years. Treatment of radicular syndrome of the lumbosacral spine can be carried out using both conservative methods and using surgical techniques.

Causes

Any morphological formations or pathological processes that lead to a compression effect on the nerve root can cause radicular syndrome.

The main causes of lumbar radiculopathy are:

• A disc herniation or protrusion can put pressure on the nerve root and lead to inflammation in the root area.
• A degenerative disease of the joints of the spine resulting in bony spikes at the facet joints, which can lead to narrowing of the intervertebral space, which will compress the nerve root.
• Trauma or muscle spasm may put pressure on the nerve root and cause symptoms in the area of ​​innervation.
• A degenerative disease of the discs that results in wear and tear of the intervertebral disc structure and a decrease in disc height, which can lead to reduced space in the intervertebral foramen and compression of the spinal root as it exits the spinal column.
• Spinal stenosis
• Tumors
• Infections or systemic diseases

In patients younger than 50 years, the most common cause of radicular syndrome in the lumbar spine is a herniated disc. After 50 years, radicular pain is often caused by degenerative changes in the spine (stenosis of the intervertebral foramen).

Risk factors for lumbar radiculopathy:

• age (45-64 years)
• smoking
• mental stress
• Strenuous physical activity (frequent heavy lifting)
• Driving or vibration exposure

Symptoms

Symptoms resulting from radicular syndrome (radiculopathy) are localized in the zone of innervation of a particular root.

• Back pain radiating to the buttock, leg and extending down behind the knee, into the foot – the intensity of the pain depends on the root and the degree of compression.
• Violation of normal reflexes in the lower limb.
• Numbness or paresthesia (tingling) may occur from the lower back to the foot, depending on the area of ​​innervation of the affected nerve root.
• Muscle weakness can occur in any muscle that is innervated by a pinched nerve root. Prolonged pressure on a nerve root can cause atrophy or loss of function in a particular muscle.
• Pain and local tenderness are localized at the level of the damaged root.
• Muscle spasm and posture changes in response to root compression.
• Pain aggravated by exertion and relieved by rest
• Loss of the ability to make certain movements of the body: the inability to straighten back, lean towards the localization of compression, or stand for a long time.
• If compression is severe, activities such as sitting, standing and walking may be difficult.
• Change in the normal lordosis of the lumbar spine.
• Development of stenosis-like symptoms.
• Stiffness in the joints after a period of rest.

Pain patterns

• L1 – back, front and inner thigh.
• L2 – back, front and inner thighs.
• L3 – back and front, and the inner surface of the thigh with downward spread.
• L4 – back and front of the thigh, to the inner surface of the lower leg, in the foot and big toe.
• L5 – Lateral thigh, fore calf, upper foot and middle toe
• S1 S2 – Buttocks, back of thigh and lower leg.

The onset of symptoms in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy (radicular syndrome) is often sudden and includes low back pain.

Sitting, coughing, or sneezing can worsen pain that radiates from the buttock to the back of the lower leg, ankle, or foot.

Watch out for certain symptoms (red flags). These red flags may indicate a more serious condition requiring further evaluation and treatment (eg, tumor, infection). The presence of fever, weight loss, or chills requires careful examination.

The patient’s age is also a factor when looking for other possible causes of the patient’s symptoms. Individuals younger than 20 and older than 50 are at increased risk for more serious causes of pain (eg, tumors, infections).

Diagnosis

The initial diagnosis of lumbosacral radicular syndrome is made on the basis of clinical history and physical examination findings (including careful examination of neurological status). A thorough analysis of motor, sensory and reflex functions allows you to determine the level of damage to the nerve root.

If the patient reports typical unilateral radiating leg pain and there is one or more positive neurological test results, then the diagnosis of radiculopathy is very likely.

However, there are a number of conditions that may present with similar symptoms. Differential diagnosis should be carried out with the following conditions:

• Pseudoradicular syndrome
• Traumatic disc injuries in the thoracic spine
• Disc injuries in the lumbosacral region
• Spinal stenosis
• Cauda equina
• Spinal tumors
• Spinal infections
• Inflammatory/metabolic causes – diabetes, ankylosing spondylitis, Paget’s disease, arachnoiditis, sarcoidosis
• Trochanteric bursitis
• Intraspinal synovial cysts

Clinically accurate diagnosis usually requires imaging tests:

• X-ray – can detect joint degeneration, fractures, bone malformations, arthritis, tumors, or infections.
• MRI is a valuable method for visualizing morphological changes in soft tissues, including discs, spinal cord, and nerve roots.
• CT (MSCT) provides complete information about the morphology of the spinal bone structures and visualization of spinal structures in cross section.
• EMG (ENMG) Electrodiagnostic (neurophysiological) studies are needed to rule out other causes of sensory and motor impairments such as peripheral neuropathy and motor neuron disease

Treatment

Treatment of lumbosacral radicular syndrome will depend on the severity of symptoms and clinical manifestations. Most often, conservative treatment is used, but in certain cases, surgical treatment is necessary.

Conservative treatment:

• In order to achieve a stable remission and restore the functionality of the spine and motor activity in full, it is necessary that the patient, after undergoing a course of treatment, continue independent exercises aimed at stabilizing the spine. The exercise program should be individual.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment of radicular syndrome in the lumbosacral spine is necessary in cases where there is resistance to conservative treatment or there are symptoms indicating severe compression of the root, such as:

• Increased radicular pain
• Signs of increased root irritation
• Muscle weakness and atrophy
• Incontinence or bowel and bladder dysfunction

If symptoms worsen, surgery may be indicated to relieve compression and remove degenerative tissue that is affecting the root. Surgical treatments for radicular syndrome in the lumbosacral spine will depend on which structure is causing the compression. Typically, these treatments involve some form of root decompression or spinal stabilization.

Some surgical procedures used to treat lumbar radiculopathy:

• Spinal fixation (spinal fusion – anterior and posterior)
• Lumbar laminectomy
• Lumbar microdiscectomy
• Laminotomy
• Transforaminal Lumbar Intercorporeal Fusion
• Cage Implantation
• Deformity Correction

Forecast

In most cases, it is possible to treat radicular syndrome in the lumbosacral spine conservatively (without surgery) and restore working capacity. The duration of treatment can vary from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the severity of the symptoms. Patients should definitely continue to do exercises at home to improve posture, as well as stretching, strengthening and stabilizing. These exercises are necessary to treat the condition that caused the radicular syndrome.

Prevention

The development of radicular syndrome in the lumbosacral spine can be prevented. To reduce your chances of developing this condition:

• Practice good posture while sitting and standing, including while driving.
• Use proper body mechanics when lifting, pushing, pulling, or performing any activity that puts additional stress on the spine.
• Maintain a healthy weight. This will reduce the load on the spine.
• Do not smoke.
• Discuss your occupation with a physical therapist who can analyze work movements and suggest steps to reduce the risk of injury.
• Muscles must be strong and elastic. Sufficient levels of physical activity must be consistently maintained.

To prevent recurrence of lumbar radiculopathy, you must:

• Continue to use new habits, postures and movements that are recommended by the exercise therapist.