What dermatomal distribution is associated with C7 nerve root pain?

• A. Middle finger distribution and associated triceps strength
• B. Ring finger distribution
• C. Thumb distribution
• D. Little finger distribution

Answer: (A)

C7 radiculopathy shows up as sensory changes in the middle finger because that digit’s skin area is the classic C7 dermatome. The motor piece often involves elbow extension, which is powered by the triceps and is a function primarily supplied by the C7 root. So when pain or sensory disturbance travels along the middle finger and elbow extension strength is affected (triceps), that pattern best fits a C7 nerve root issue. In contrast, sensation on the thumb maps to C6, the ring finger to C8, and the little finger to C8–T1, so those distributions don’t align with C7.