Which clinical examination finding is most indicative of cervical radiculopathy?

• A. Weakness in the lower extremities
• B. Radiating pain in the arm
• C. Loss of coordination
• D. Cervical spine range of motion

Answer: (B)

Radiating pain in the arm is the most indicative clinical examination finding of cervical radiculopathy. This condition occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes compressed or irritated, leading to pain that radiates down the arm. Patients often describe this pain as sharp, electric, or tingling sensations that follow the distribution of the affected nerve root.

This symptom is a key hallmark of radiculopathy as it can be a result of various pathological changes, including herniated discs or degenerative changes in the cervical spine, leading to nerve root irritation. The specific distribution of the radiating pain correlates with the anatomical pathway of cervical nerves, which helps in identifying the level of involvement in the cervical spine.

In contrast, weakness in the lower extremities and loss of coordination do not directly relate to cervical radiculopathy, as it primarily affects the upper extremities due to the involvement of cervical nerves. Cervical spine range of motion may also be limited in individuals with radiculopathy but is more indicative of generalized cervical spine issues rather than specifically identifying radiculopathy itself. Thus, the radiating pain in the arm serves as a more definitive indicator of the condition.