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
Untested Remedies -- Do Patients Know What MDs Are Prescribing?
When MDs prescribe medications, their patients have little or no pharmaceutical knowledge and therefore must put their trust completely in the knowledge and integrity of their doctor. But USA Today1 recently reported a disturbing fact that indicates doctors often abuse this implicit trust:
"Of the 2.1 billion prescriptions written by doctors last year, 40% percent to 60% were provided 'off label,' meaning they were prescribed to treat conditions for which they are not approved, and, in some cases, not even tested."
This unsettling information about prescriptions demonstrates once again that chiropractic care can be a natural -- and safe -- alternative to pharmaceutical treatment by MDs.
Reference
1. "That operation you're getting may be experimental," USA Today, September 13, 1995.