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.
VA Expansion Bill Making Progress
As of press time, legislation has been approved by the Senate that would expand chiropractic services within the Veterans Administration by requiring the chiropractic benefit be provided "at not fewer than two medical centers or clinics in each Veterans Integrated Service Network by not later than two years after the date of the enactment" and at 50 percent or more of VISN medical centers no later than three years after enactment.
The requirements are stipulated in Section 102 – "Expansion of Provision of Chiropractic Care and Services to Veterans" – of S. 1203, under review by multiple House committees as of early December 2015. To track the bill's progress, click here.
As of press time, legislation has been approved by the Senate that would expand chiropractic services within the Veterans Administration by requiring the chiropractic benefit be provided "at not fewer than two medical centers or clinics in each Veterans Integrated Service Network by not later than two years after the date of the enactment" and at 50 percent or more of VISN medical centers no later than three years after enactment.
The requirements are stipulated in Section 102 – "Expansion of Provision of Chiropractic Care and Services to Veterans" – of S. 1203, under review by multiple House committees as of early December 2015. To track the bill's progress, visit www.congress.gov and enter the bill number in the search field.