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.
Douglas Johnson, ATC, EES, CLS
Douglas Johnson is a certified athletic trainer with a bachelor's degree in sports medicine from the University of Detroit-Mercy; and the senior vice president of clinical and scientific affairs for Multi Radiance Medical. He is involved in numerous research studies involving super-pulsed lasers, including investigating the impact of laser on knee pain; and is currently at work updating his text, Phototherapy 101, to Laser Therapy 101, which is scheduled to be released in late 2013.