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.
ACA, ICA and ACC Agree to "Jointly Support Legislation" for Veterans
On December 2, 2000, the representatives of the American Chiropractic Association, the International Chiropractors Association, and the Association of Chiropractic Colleges met to discuss legislative efforts for 2001. At the meeting, the legislative committee members agreed to jointly support legislation to provide for chiropractic care for the nation's veterans, and to include language that would mirror the newly passed Department of Defense statutory language calling for services that "at a minimum would include neuromusculoskeletal conditions." A joint working group (task force) of the three associations will advance this effort.
The task force is calling upon those doctors of chiropractic and patients to identify individuals active in veterans' groups that could advance this legislation.
A task force on Medicare was also formed to review the various issues to be resolved by statute.
The ACA and ICA also reaffirmed their support of the ACC's paradigm and position papers on chiropractic.