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.
Spinal-Cord Injuries: Saying No to Steroids
With steroids, epidural and otherwise, in the news lately for their overuse when treating back pain (and their danger when tainted by fungal meningitis), it was high time for a policy change, and we've got one, from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. The organizations' Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves has released updated guidelines for the management of acute spinal cord injury that recommend against the use of steroids in the first 24-48 hours following an acute SCI. Steroids were "previously recommended with consideration to the risk / reward profile, as evaluated by the physician."