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.
Kids with LBP Become Adults with LBP
A 25-year prospective study discovered that 14-year-olds with low back pain (LBP) in school were more likely to have problems as adults:
| Back Problems at age 39: | LBP Kids | All Kids |
| LBP in Last Week | 47% | 33% |
| LBP in Last Month | 69% | 50% |
| Hospitalization | 17% | 7% |
| Deceased Work Activity | 13% | 5% |
The study we'd like to see is one comparing children with LBP who received chiropractic care, versus kids with LBP who didn't. One tends to believe that the chiropractic kids would have fewer instances of LBP as adults, compared to their chiropractically deprived peers. ...
Harreby M, Neergaard K, Hesselsoe G, Kjer J. Are radiographic changes in the thoracic and lumbar spine of adolescents risk factors for low back pain in adults? Spine 1995;20:2298-2302.