Spurling's test is used to diagnose which condition?

• A. Thoracic outlet syndrome
• B. Cervical myelopathy due to canal stenosis
• C. Cervical radiculopathy due to foraminal compression
• D. Tension headache

Answer: (C)

Spurling's test is designed to identify cervical radiculopathy caused by foraminal compression. By extending the neck, laterally flexing toward the affected side, and applying gentle axial load through the skull, you narrow the neural foramen and can irritate the exiting nerve root. A reproduced shooting pain or numbness down the arm in the dermatomal pattern confirms radicular involvement from foraminal narrowing, such as foraminal stenosis or a disc herniation pressing on a nerve root. This helps distinguish radiculopathy from other neck-related problems: thoracic outlet syndrome typically involves vascular or non-dermatomal limb symptoms not produced by neck compression; cervical myelopathy presents with upper motor neuron signs like gait instability and hyperreflexia rather than a dermatomal radicular pattern; tension headaches cause diffuse head pain without arm radicular symptoms. Use caution in acute injuries or instability, where the test may be unsafe.