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
The Price of Medical Technology
The opening remarks of the monograph presented by the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Related Disorders1 included an interesting comment on medical technology as it relates to third-party reimbursement:
"Since World War II, there has been pressure to depend more on sophisticated technology. Such technology often goes through a trendy 'fad phase' and is not always subjected to rigorous scientific evaluation before its use becomes widespread. The price paid by society for such shortcomings is aggravated by procedure-oriented fee-for-service reimbursement schemes that reward 'doing' much more than 'thinking.'"Reference
1. Spitzer WO, et al. Scientific monograph of the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Related Disorders: Redefining "whiplash and its management." Spine 1995;8S:10S