If a patient's unilateral radicular symptoms centralize from their hand to elbow with repeated cervical retraction, what group do they belong to?

• A. Dysfunction
• B. Derangement
• C. Postural
• D. Stabilization

Answer: (B)

When a patient's unilateral radicular symptoms centralize from their hand to elbow with repeated cervical retraction, this description is indicative of the derangement syndrome. In the classification of cervical disorders, "derangement" refers to a condition where there is a disruption in the anatomical or physiological integrity of the spinal structures that leads to the symptoms described. The centralization of symptoms during cervical retraction suggests a change in the position of the intervertebral discs or nerve roots, which is a hallmark of derangement.

The centralization phenomenon is significant in identifying derangement syndromes, as it implies that the position or movement is leading to a resolving of symptomatic expression towards a less severe location (from distal points like the hand to a more proximal location like the elbow). This process typically occurs through specific postural or dynamic adjustments, such as those achieved in repeated cervical retraction, which can alleviate nerve root tension or restore disc position.

In contrast, dysfunction syndromes are characterized by limitations in movement and may not demonstrate centralization. Postural syndromes are associated with postural faults leading to pain but do not generally include the centralization phenomenon. Stabilization strategies focus on strengthening and motor control, rather than symptom modulation through specific movements. Therefore, based on the central