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 Quote
Dangerous Medicine? An article on the front page of USA Today1 reports:
"Researchers estimate about 120,000 preventable deaths and 1 million injuries occur during the course of medical treatment each year."Assuming there are approximately 600,000 MDs, this equates to an average MD being involved in one preventable death every five years, and almost two unnecessary injuries every year. This is something to consider when comparing the risk of chiropractic care to that of medical treatment.
Reference
1. Medical groups act to curb errors. USA Today, October 14, 1996.