Spurling's Test is used to assess which condition?

• A. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• B. Beevor's Sign
• C. Nerve root impingement
• D. Rib Position Tests

Answer: (C)

Spurling's test directly targets cervical radiculopathy by compressing the exiting nerve roots in the cervical spine. The clinician extends the neck, laterally flexes toward the symptomatic side, and applies an axial load through the head. If this maneuver reproduces or worsens the patient’s radicular pain in a dermatomal pattern, it suggests impingement of a cervical nerve root due to foraminal stenosis or a cervical disc herniation.

This test is not used for thoracic outlet syndrome, which involves neurovascular symptoms from compression at the scalene space or thoracic outlet and is evaluated with different provocative tests. Beevor's sign relates to abdominal wall weakness and is a sign of lower thoracic or abdominal motor involvement, not cervical nerve root compression. Rib position or mobility assessments do not diagnose cervical nerve root impingement either.