What does a positive Shoulder Abduction (Bakody) test indicate in cervical radiculopathy assessment?

• A. Reduction of symptoms with arm raised suggests nerve root irritation.
• B. Increase of symptoms with arm raised suggests nerve root irritation.
• C. No change in symptoms indicates radiculopathy.
• D. It indicates peripheral neuropathy.

Answer: (A)

Relief of symptoms when the arm is raised (shoulder abduction) unloads the cervical nerve roots, reducing traction and foraminal compression on the irritated roots. This decrease in radicular pain with the maneuver is a positive Bakody sign, and it points to nerve root irritation from cervical radiculopathy. The test helps differentiate radiculopathy from other arm pains, since true nerve root involvement is typically relieved—not worsened—by lifting the arm.