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.
Lori Byrd, MS
Lori Byrd is the APHA-CHC section chair and a program coordinator at the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research. She can be contacted at byrd_l@palmer.edu.