What is a common symptom associated with cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or damaged, leading to symptoms that typically affect the upper body. A hallmark symptom of this condition is pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulder and even down the arm. This pain often follows the path of the affected nerve root and can vary in intensity, sometimes described as sharp, burning, or aching. The key factor here is that the symptoms relate specifically to the area innervated by the compressed nerve roots, which often include dermatome patterns that originate from the cervical spine.

In contrast, symptoms like weakness in the legs are more indicative of lumbar radiculopathy, which involves the lower spine, while loss of feeling in the back is not specific to cervical radiculopathy and may arise from various issues affecting the spinal cord or other structures. Dizziness when standing does not relate to cervical radiculopathy and typically points to other conditions affecting balance or blood pressure. Thus, the characteristic radiating pain associated with neck issues is the defining symptom of cervical radiculopathy, making it the correct choice in this context.