C5-C6 nerve roots

The C5-C6 nerve roots are part of the cervical spinal nerves located in the neck region. They emerge from the spinal cord through openings between the cervical vertebrae (bones in the neck). These nerve roots are responsible for transmitting signals that control certain shoulder and upper arm muscles, as well as providing sensation to parts of the shoulder, upper arm, forearm, and thumb. Issues such as disc herniation or bone spurs at this level can compress these nerves, leading to symptoms like neck pain, arm weakness, or numbness in the thumb area.