What is the most common level for cervical disc disease causing radiculopathy involving the C7 nerve root?

• A. C6-C7 level
• B. C5-C6 level
• C. C7-T1 level
• D. C4-C5 level

Answer: (D)

The most frequent cervical disc level causing radiculopathy of the C7 nerve root is the C6–C7 disc level. In the cervical spine, nerve roots exit above the vertebra of the same number, except for C8. So the C7 nerve root passes through the foramen between C6 and C7. A herniation at C6–C7 readily compresses the C7 root, making C7 radiculopathy the common consequence of that level. Clinically, C7 radiculopathy often presents with sensory changes in the middle finger and weakness patterns that involve the muscles innervated by the C7 root. Other levels like C4–C5 or C5–C6 would more typically affect the C5 or C6 roots, and C7–T1 would more likely involve the C8 root.