Classic Patterns of Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical Radiculopathy: Nonoperative Management of Neck Pain and Radicular Symptoms

Table 1

Classic Patterns of Cervical Radiculopathy

ABNORMALITIES
NERVE ROOT INTERSPACE PAIN DISTRIBUTION MOTOR SENSORY REFLEX

C4

C3–C4

Lower neck, trapezius

NA

Cape distribution (i.e., lower neck and upper shoulder girdle)

NA

C5

C4–C5

Neck, shoulder, lateral arm

Deltoid, elbow flexion

Lateral arm

Biceps

C6

C5–C6

Neck, dorsal lateral (radial) arm, thumb

Biceps, wrist extension

Lateral forearm, thumb

Brachioradialis

C7

C6–C7

Neck, dorsal lateral forearm, middle finger

Triceps, wrist flexion

Dorsal forearm, long finger

Triceps

C8

C7-C8

Neck, medial forearm, ulnar digits

Finger flexors

Medial forearm, ulnar digits

NA

T1

C8-T1

Ulnar forearm

Finger intrinsics

Ulnar forearm

NA

NA = not applicable.

Information from references 3 and 4.

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