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.
Brian Anderson, DC, MPH, CertMDT
Dr. Brian Anderson is an assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Practice at National University of Health Sciences and a PhD student in health sciences at Northern Illinois University. Contact him with questions and comments at banderson@nuhs.edu.