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.
Elizabeth Auppl
Elizabeth L. Auppl is the executive director of the International Academy of Chiropractic Occupational Health Consultants (IACOHC), and the executive advisor to the ACA Council on Occupational Health (ACACOH). She is also a faculty member of the postgraduate (diplomate) chiropractic occupational health and applied ergonomics program at Northwestern Health Sciences University. For questions and comments regarding this article, contact Ms. Auppl at (507) 455-1025 or iacohc@gmail.com..