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.
Joel Stevans, DC, PhD
Dr. Joel Stevans earned his DC from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (1994) and a PhD in rehabilitation science from the University of Pittsburgh (2018). He is the associate director of experiential learning in Pitt’s new DC program. As a clinician, educator, researcher, and executive, he was an early adopter of interprofessional care and has led initiatives to expand evidence-based practice in primary care, rehabilitation, and chiropractic. His work focuses on improving care quality and system affordability through clinical and educational excellence.