While cervical disc pathology can unquestionably produce radiculopathy, many patients presenting with arm pain, paresthesia or perceived weakness do not exhibit the clinical behavior of true nerve-root compromise. In these cases, failure to differentiate the primary pain generator may lead to unnecessary spinal injections, nerve ablation procedures or surgical consultation despite limited likelihood of benefit.
The Report of Findings Is Not a Sales Pitch
You have the patient's history, the findings and a proposed plan. Now comes the report of findings. For many DCs, this can become a polished presentation: the doctor talks, the patient listens, and the final question is whether the patient wants to proceed. That may be the wrong model. An effective report of findings is a conversation in which the patient needs to understand what you found, why it matters, what the reasonable options are, and what happens next.