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.
Daniel J. Murphy, DC, DABCO
Dr. Dan Murphy is a 1978 graduate of Western States Chiropractic College (now the University of Western States) and diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedics. He has taught more than 1,500 continuing-education classes on various topics including clinical nutrition, biomechanics, soft-tissue injury and repair, and the management of spine and spine-related conditions; and is a contributing author on several books, including Motor Vehicle Collision Injuries and Pediatric Chiropractic.