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 Grieves, DC, MPH
Dr. Brian Grieves maintains a private practice in Shawano, Wisc., where he focuses on evidence-based management of spinal pain. He is an ACA member as well as a faculty member of the Institute for Evidence-Based Chiropractic, and has written previously about public- health approaches to back pain (JACA) and the cost of chiropractic versus medical care for back pain (JMPT).