Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Nerve Anatomy

Cervical radiculopathy, a common cause of neck pain, arises from pinching or inflammation of a cervical nerve at the point where it exits the spine, known as the foramen or neuroforamen. This condition involves nerves originating from spinal levels C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1, which make up the brachial plexus. This network of nerves interconnects to form specific peripheral nerves serving the upper extremity.

The term “Complete Plexus” refers to injuries where all five levels of the nerve roots, trunks, divisions, cords, and nerves (C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1) are damaged, leading to total arm paralysis. In contrast, “Partial Plexus” injuries involve damage to one or more of these components. Specific nerves, like the musculocutaneous nerve (C5, C6), radial nerve (C5, C6, C7, C8), and median nerve (C6, C7, C8), are associated with particular muscle functions and sensory distributions. For instance, the biceps (C5, C6) and brachioradialis (C5, C6) are involved in forearm flexion, while the triceps (C7) and extensor digitorum communis (C7, C8) are responsible for forearm extension and finger extension, respectively.

Cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy result from compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots, causing symptoms like neck pain, stiffness, and limited neck mobility. A notable superficial reflex is the corneal reflex, involving involuntary blinking in response to corneal stimulation, mediated by the nasociliary branch of the trigeminal nerve (5th nerve) and the facial nerve (7th nerve).

Understanding the intricate anatomy of these nerves is crucial for diagnosing and treating conditions like cervical radiculopathy. Spinal Nerve Roots, Cervical Radiculopathy Treatments, Thoracic Outlet Nerves, and Cervical Decompression Treatments provide further insights into these conditions.