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.
Howard Levinson, DC, CFE, AHFI
Dr. Howard Levinson, a 1984 graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic, is a certified fraud examiner, accredited health care fraud examiner and forensic chiropractor. He is a clinical director for the special investigations fraud and abuse unit at WellPoint, Inc., parent company to 14 Blue Cross plans.