18/05/2026
🟣 Cervical Nerve Root Levels (C5–C8) – Motor, Reflex & Sensory Functions
➟ The cervical nerve roots control important movements, reflexes, and sensation in the shoulders, arms, and hands.
➟ Compression or irritation of these nerves may occur due to cervical disc herniation, arthritis, spinal narrowing, or poor posture.
➟ This image demonstrates the common motor weakness, reflex changes, and sensory loss associated with C5, C6, C7, and C8 nerve root involvement.
🟣 C5 Nerve Root
🔷 Motor weakness
➟ Weakness of the deltoid muscle may cause difficulty lifting the arm sideways.
🔷 Reflex changes
➟ Reflexes are often normal with isolated C5 involvement.
🔷 Sensory loss
➟ Reduced sensation may occur over the outer shoulder and upper arm.
🟣 C6 Nerve Root
🔷 Motor weakness
➟ Weakness may affect the biceps and wrist extensor muscles.
🔷 Reflex changes
➟ The biceps or brachioradialis reflex may become weak or absent.
🔷 Sensory loss
➟ Numbness or tingling may occur along the thumb and radial side of the hand.
🟣 C7 Nerve Root
🔷 Motor weakness
➟ Weakness commonly affects the triceps muscle and elbow extension.
🔷 Reflex changes
➟ The triceps reflex may become reduced or absent.
🔷 Sensory loss
➟ Altered sensation may affect the middle finger and central hand region.
🟣 C8 Nerve Root
🔷 Motor weakness
➟ Weakness may involve the finger flexors and interossei muscles of the hand.
🔷 Reflex changes
➟ Reflexes are often preserved in isolated C8 involvement.
🔷 Sensory loss
➟ Numbness or tingling may affect the ring finger, little finger, and inner forearm.
🟣 Spurling Maneuver
🔷 Cervical nerve root test
➟ Neck extension and side bending toward the affected side may reproduce arm pain or tingling.
➟ A positive test may suggest cervical radiculopathy or nerve root compression.
🟣 Common Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy
🔷 Neck pain
➟ Pain may radiate into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
🔷 Tingling or numbness
➟ Sensory changes may follow specific dermatome patterns.
🔷 Weakness
➟ Muscle strength may decrease depending on the affected nerve root.
🔷 Reduced reflexes
➟ Reflex responses may become diminished during examination.
🟣 Common Causes
🔷 Cervical disc herniation
➟ A bulging or herniated disc may compress nearby nerve roots.
🔷 Cervical spondylosis
➟ Degenerative changes can narrow spaces around the spinal nerves.
🔷 Poor posture
➟ Forward head posture and prolonged screen use may increase cervical strain.
🔷 Trauma or repetitive stress
➟ Injuries or repetitive neck movements may irritate the cervical nerves.
🟣 Management & Treatment
🔷 Posture correction
➟ Maintaining proper neck alignment may reduce nerve irritation.
🔷 Physiotherapy
➟ Strengthening and mobility exercises may improve support and flexibility.
🔷 Activity modification
➟ Avoiding aggravating movements may help reduce symptoms.
🔷 Pain management
➟ Doctors may recommend medications, heat therapy, or other supportive treatments.
🔷 Medical evaluation if symptoms persist
➟ Persistent weakness, numbness, or severe pain should be professionally assessed.
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⭐ Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
