What clinical sign may indicate potentially serious complications in patients suffering from cervical discomfort?

• A. Paresthesia in limbs
• B. Localized pain
• C. Reduced range of motion
• D. Headaches

Answer: (A)

Paresthesia in the limbs can signify potentially serious complications in patients experiencing cervical discomfort. This is because such sensations often indicate neurological involvement, potentially due to compression or irritation of cervical spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself. These neurological signs can suggest more serious underlying conditions, such as cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy, which may require immediate medical intervention.

In contrast, localized pain is more common and could arise from a variety of benign musculoskeletal conditions without necessitating urgent care. Reduced range of motion typically reflects mechanical issues in the cervical spine, which, while significant, do not always indicate the severity associated with neurological symptoms. Headaches can result from numerous factors, including tension or muscle strain, and while they may accompany cervical discomfort, they don't inherently imply serious complications in the same way that limb paresthesias do.