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.
Office of Alternative Medicine Goes Online
The National Institutes of Health's Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM) was created in 1991 to identify and evaluate alternative health care practices, via research, training, and disseminating information. Now, after six years of operation, the OAM has recently launched its own website.
The OAM's website is divided into seven separate categories, each providing different information on the office's functions. Users can learn about the history and mission of the OAM; consult a frequently asked questions list; find out about grant information; search the OAM's information clearinghouse; and read back issues of the office's quarterly newsletters and press releases.
The OAM's website also has links to the Department of Health and Human Services, and an e-mail address for users who'd like to contact the OAM's director. The site even has a built-in search engine and a site index to aid those who are looking for specific information.
The OAM's website can be accessed at [url=http://altmed.od.nih.gov/oam]http://altmed.od.nih.gov/oam[/url].