Fact · Accessibility and health
A 2018 systematic review concluded that there is limited evidence for the accuracy of physical examination tests for diagnosing cervical radiculopathy, a pinched nerve in the neck.
Checked against its source on October 16, 2026
In the source's own words
“There is limited evidence for accuracy of physical examination tests for the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy.”
Value of physical tests in diagnosing cervical radiculopathy: a systematic review, Erik J. Thoomes et al., The Spine Journal, 2018, Abstract, Conclusions.
Open the original (DOI 10.1016/j.spinee.2017.08.241)- What it measures
- The review searched for diagnostic accuracy studies up to March 2016 and used imaging or surgical findings as the reference standard.
- What it does not show
- The review found only five accuracy studies. The reviewers suggest combining several tests when they agree with the history, which means a single bedside test does not settle the question.