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.
Donald Murphy, DC, FRCC
Dr. Donald R. Murphy graduated from New York Chiropractic College in 1988 and obtained three years of postgraduate education in neurology. He is the drector of primary spine care at OrthoRI and co-lead instructor for the University of Pittsburgh's primary spine practitioner certification program. As of 2026, Dr. Murphy is also clinical assistant professor of family medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University; adjunct assistant professor, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh; adjunct associate professor, New York Chiropractic College; and part-time university faculty, Southern California University of Health Sciences.