What nerve root is commonly affected by a C7-disc herniation?

• A. C6 nerve root
• B. C7 nerve root
• C. C8 nerve root
• D. T1 nerve root

Answer: (B)

Discs in the cervical spine most often irritate the nerve root that travels at that level, producing radicular symptoms in the nerve’s distribution. A herniation around the C6-C7 level typically compresses the C7 nerve root. The C7 nerve root is responsible for elbow extension (triceps action) and contributes to finger movements, with sensory territory that includes the middle finger. So a C7-level disc herniation most commonly manifests as weakness in elbow extension and sensory changes in the middle finger region, making the C7 nerve root the best match. The other nerve roots would produce different motor and sensory patterns corresponding to their respective levels.