Usually maps to C5 (C4-C5).
Symptom to Source
Tap a body zone to see the nerve root it usually maps to, and the matching disc level.
Educational only. This map explains patterns doctors commonly describe. It is not a diagnosis, and it does not replace a review of your own MRI by a physician.
Select a body zone on the map.
Outer shoulder and upper arm
- Disc level from Map 1
- C4-C5
- Other common causes
- Shoulder joint problems, muscle strain, and referred neck pain are other common causes doctors consider.
- Red flags
- Rapidly worsening arm weakness or fever with severe neck pain needs urgent review.
Patterns overlap, and other conditions can feel identical. Only an exam plus imaging can say which level is involved in your case.
Thumb and index finger
- Disc level from Map 1
- C5-C6
- Other common causes
- Carpal tunnel and local hand issues can feel similar in the thumb and index finger.
- Red flags
- Progressive hand weakness or dropping objects needs prompt review.
Patterns overlap, and other conditions can feel identical. Only an exam plus imaging can say which level is involved in your case.
Middle finger
- Disc level from Map 1
- C6-C7
- Other common causes
- Local finger strain and other nerve entrapments can overlap with this pattern.
- Red flags
- Spreading numbness over days or new arm weakness needs prompt review.
Patterns overlap, and other conditions can feel identical. Only an exam plus imaging can say which level is involved in your case.
Ring and little fingers, inner hand
- Disc level from Map 1
- C7-T1
- Other common causes
- Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow is another common cause doctors consider.
- Red flags
- Worsening grip loss or hand clumsiness needs prompt review.
Patterns overlap, and other conditions can feel identical. Only an exam plus imaging can say which level is involved in your case.
Band around the chest or belly
- Disc level from Map 1
- T1-T12
- Other common causes
- Heart, lung, stomach, and other organ issues can feel like a band. Doctors often rule those out.
- Red flags
- Chest pain with shortness of breath, fever, or trauma is not for this map. Seek urgent care.
Patterns overlap, and other conditions can feel identical. Only an exam plus imaging can say which level is involved in your case.
Groin and front of thigh
- Disc level from Map 1
- L1-L2 / L2-L3
- Other common causes
- Hip joint problems and local muscle strain are other common causes.
- Red flags
- Saddle numbness or bladder or bowel change is an emergency (see Map 5).
Patterns overlap, and other conditions can feel identical. Only an exam plus imaging can say which level is involved in your case.
Front of thigh to inner shin
- Disc level from Map 1
- L3-L4
- Other common causes
- Knee problems and local nerve entrapment can feel similar along this path.
- Red flags
- Rapidly worsening leg weakness needs urgent review.
Patterns overlap, and other conditions can feel identical. Only an exam plus imaging can say which level is involved in your case.
Outer calf, top of foot, big toe
- Disc level from Map 1
- L4-L5
- Other common causes
- Peroneal nerve issues at the knee and local foot problems can overlap.
- Red flags
- Foot drop that is getting worse needs prompt review.
Patterns overlap, and other conditions can feel identical. Only an exam plus imaging can say which level is involved in your case.
Back of calf, outer foot, sole
- Disc level from Map 1
- L5-S1
- Other common causes
- Achilles and local foot problems can feel similar in the calf and sole.
- Red flags
- Saddle numbness or bladder or bowel change is an emergency (see Map 5).
Patterns overlap, and other conditions can feel identical. Only an exam plus imaging can say which level is involved in your case.
Usually maps to C6 (C5-C6).
Usually maps to C7 (C6-C7).
Usually maps to C8 (C7-T1).
Usually maps to T4 to T10 range (T1-T12).
Usually maps to L1 to L3 (L1-L2 / L2-L3).
Usually maps to L4 (L3-L4).
Usually maps to L5 (L4-L5).
Usually maps to S1 (L5-S1).