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.
Lisa Zaynab Killinger, DC
Dr. Lisa Zaynab Killinger is past section chair of the APHA's Chiropractic Health Care section and director of diagnosis and radiology at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Contact her with questions and comments at lisa.killinger@palmer.edu.