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.
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Kudos to Dr. Sid
Dear Editor:
My hat's off to Dr. Sid Williams for his dispassionate comment on a national news broadcast (CNN, I think). Amidst all of the spin-doctoring and distortions by political medicine and political chiropractic following the October 8 release of several controlled trials of manipulation published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Williams offered one of the few sensible comments: further research is needed.
Joseph C. Keating Jr., PhD
Los Angeles College of Chiropractic
Whittier, California