Spurling test purpose?

Spurling test purpose?

• A. To assess for lumbar nerve root compression.
• B. To assess for cervical facet joint involvement.
• C. To assess for thoracic outlet syndrome.
• D. To assess for cervical nerve root compression associated with cervical radiculopathy.

Answer: (D)

Spurling’s test is about identifying cervical nerve root compression that causes radiating arm pain (cervical radiculopathy). The neck is extended and side-bent toward the affected side, then downward pressure is applied on the head. If this reproduces a sharp, shooting pain that travels down the arm in a dermatomal pattern, it suggests impingement of a cervical nerve root. This helps distinguish cervical radiculopathy from other neck- or shoulder-related issues and from problems in the lumbar spine or thoracic outlet, which produce different symptom patterns.

Spurling’s test is about identifying cervical nerve root compression that causes radiating arm pain (cervical radiculopathy). The neck is extended and side-bent toward the affected side, then downward pressure is applied on the head. If this reproduces a sharp, shooting pain that travels down the arm in a dermatomal pattern, it suggests impingement of a cervical nerve root. This helps distinguish cervical radiculopathy from other neck- or shoulder-related issues and from problems in the lumbar spine or thoracic outlet, which produce different symptom patterns.