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.
DOs Not Doing Much Manipulation
A recent study revealed that osteopathic patients don't receive much "osteopathic manipulative treatment" (OMT):
| Percentage of Patients Receiving OMT | DOs |
| <5 | 32.1% |
| 5 - 15 | 39.6% |
| 26 - 50 | 12.7% |
| 51 - 75 | 3.5% |
| 76 - 100 | 2.7% |
| No response | 9.4% |
According to this study, on average, only 18% of osteopathic patients received manipulation. These numbers seem to reflect the sad state of much of health care: the "give them a pill mentality" over hands-on care.
-------------- Johnson SM, Kurtz ME, Kurtz JC. Variables influencing the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment in family practice. JAOA, 1997;97:80-87.