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.
Help Update the LBP Practice Guideline
The Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters has announced the release of an updated Clinical Practice Guideline for Chiropractic Management of Low Back Pain for stakeholder review and comment. The draft document, as well as instructions on submitting comments and other information, is available online until April 6, 2015.
Periodic guideline review (every five years) and validation via stakeholder review / comment is mandated for inclusion in the National Guideline Clearinghouse. The council anticipates that the final updated guideline will be published later this year.
"An important part of CPG development requires the assistance of stakeholders," stated the council. "This document is a draft and subject to revision based on specific criteria. We welcome your feedback regarding this draft document, but readers are cautioned that any substantive changes in conclusions or recommendations will be made solely by the independent CCGPP Commission, and based only on submission of relevant documentation sufficient to support a change in conclusion.
All stakeholder changes suggested will go back to the original Delphi panel and be accepted after completing the rigorous consensus and review process."
All current practice guidelines are available online on the CCGPP website. Click here for direct access.