Peer-reviewed research
Value of physical tests in diagnosing cervical radiculopathy: a systematic review
Erik J. Thoomes et al., The Spine Journal, 2018 · DOI 10.1016/j.spinee.2017.08.241
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- A systematic review of diagnostic accuracy studies that tested physical examination tests for cervical radiculopathy against imaging or surgical findings.
- How much weight it carries
- Peer-reviewed systematic review, searched to March 2016. It found only five diagnostic accuracy studies, so the pooled evidence is thin, and it did not find studies of the standard neurological tests such as muscle strength and reflexes.
Facts taken from this source
- 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.
“There is limited evidence for accuracy of physical examination tests for the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy.” (Abstract, Conclusions)