A positive Spurling's test yields pain suggesting compression of which nerve roots?

A positive Spurling's test yields pain suggesting compression of which nerve roots?

• A. C6-C8 nerve roots
• B. L4-L5 nerve roots
• C. T1-T2 nerve roots
• D. S1-S2 nerve roots

Answer: (A)

Spurling's test checks for cervical radiculopathy from foraminal nerve root compression. By extending the neck and applying downward pressure with side bending toward the affected side, you squeeze the exiting cervical nerve roots. A positive result—radiating arm pain in a dermatomal pattern—points to compression of the lower cervical nerve roots, specifically the C6 through C8 roots (the ones that exit the foramina between C5–C6 up to C7–T1). The other options refer to lumbar, thoracic, or lumbosacral roots, which are not tested by this cervical maneuver.

Spurling's test checks for cervical radiculopathy from foraminal nerve root compression. By extending the neck and applying downward pressure with side bending toward the affected side, you squeeze the exiting cervical nerve roots. A positive result—radiating arm pain in a dermatomal pattern—points to compression of the lower cervical nerve roots, specifically the C6 through C8 roots (the ones that exit the foramina between C5–C6 up to C7–T1). The other options refer to lumbar, thoracic, or lumbosacral roots, which are not tested by this cervical maneuver.