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.
Alba Vazquez, MCS-P
Alba Vazquez is a certified medical compliance specialist. For 10 years, she worked as an office manager / compliance officer at the Riverside Work Conditioning Center in Riverside, Calif., where she was responsible for performing all necessary OSHA, HIPAA and personnel documentation. She can be contacted with questions and comments regarding this article at medicalcompliancesolutions@gmail.com.