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.
News in Brief
Dr. Saboe Speaks at National Summit
Dr. Vern Saboe, lobbyist for the Oregon Chiropractic Association and DC columnist, discussed the Oregon Health Plan experience at the 3rd Annual Summit on Balanced Pain Management last December.
Dr. Saboe said he "reviewed the process that led to OHP now covering common back and spinal pain conditions and non-pharmacologic treatments in hopes of reducing opioid narcotic use and costly spinal surgeries; and covered how Oregon's initial development of evidence-based back treatment guidelines led to coverage of integrated pain care combining standard medical care with chiropractic, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, intensive rehabilitation, massage therapy, and/or supervised exercise therapy.'
To learn more about Dr. Saboe and his involvement in Oregon health care, access a complete biography and previous articles on his columnist page.
New EVP at the NBCE
Dr. Normal Ouzts Jr. has been named new executive vice president of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. A longtime member of the NBCE board, he vacates his position as District V director to assume the EVP role. As of press time, the board is seeking a replacement for the District V directorship.