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.
I.Q. -- Interesting Quotes
Family Practitioners Hear More about Manipulation
Spinal manipulation continues to be a hot topic in family medical practitioner journals. Consider this quote:1
"Manipulation does not appear to be contraindicated for patients with bulging discs or herniation and is still widely prescribed and recommended for such patients."Or this comment:2
"Spinal manipulation is one of the few procedures that demonstrably improves outcomes for acute low back pain without radiculopathy."While the chiropractic profession needs to perform additional studies and disseminate further information to correctly communicate the full potential of chiropractic care, that these journals are focusing their attention on manipulation is promising.
- Assendelft WJJ, Bouter LM, Knipschild PG. Complications of Spinal Manipulation. J Fam Pract 1996; 42:475-480.
- Sullivan T. Up front with backs. Can Fam Phys 1996; 42: 1185-1186.