The pain will typically follow a distribution of a specific nerve root or dermatome. Physical exam, MRI, and EMG/nerve conduction tests are used to diagnosis cervical radiculopathy.

Cervical nerves: There are eight pairs from your neck, numbered C1 through C8. Since C1 has no sensory function, you have seven cervical dermatomes, numbered C2 to C8.

The pain will typically follow a distribution of a specific nerve root or dermatome. Physical exam, MRI, and EMG/nerve conduction tests are used to diagnosis cervical radiculopathy.