In Spurling test interpretation, which finding suggests cervical nerve root compression?

In Spurling test interpretation, which finding suggests cervical nerve root compression?

• A. Reproduction of ipsilateral arm pain or paresthesia.
• B. Isolated neck pain.
• C. Bilateral arm numbness.
• D. Pain worsened with axial compression.

Answer: (A)

Spurling’s test looks for cervical nerve root irritation by loading the neural pathway and reproducing symptoms in the arm. When a cervical nerve root is compressed, the irritation produces radicular symptoms that travel down the same side’s arm in the dermatomal distribution of that nerve root. That reproducing of ipsilateral arm pain or numbness is the clearest indicator that a root is compressed. Isolated neck pain isn’t specific for nerve root involvement because it can come from the neck’s joints or muscles. Bilateral arm numbness is less typical for a single-root compression and suggests other possibilities. Pain that worsens with axial compression can occur with various neck pathologies, not uniquely with radiculopathy, so it’s not the most specific sign of nerve root compression.

Spurling’s test looks for cervical nerve root irritation by loading the neural pathway and reproducing symptoms in the arm. When a cervical nerve root is compressed, the irritation produces radicular symptoms that travel down the same side’s arm in the dermatomal distribution of that nerve root. That reproducing of ipsilateral arm pain or numbness is the clearest indicator that a root is compressed.

Isolated neck pain isn’t specific for nerve root involvement because it can come from the neck’s joints or muscles. Bilateral arm numbness is less typical for a single-root compression and suggests other possibilities. Pain that worsens with axial compression can occur with various neck pathologies, not uniquely with radiculopathy, so it’s not the most specific sign of nerve root compression.