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.
Mark Losack, DC, CCSP, FICC
Dr Mark Losack, a 1996 graduate of Southern California University of Health Sciences, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from November 2002 – August 2009. His term of service included time in the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (See our May 19, 2003 article, "Chiropractic on the Front Line in Baghdad," to hear about Dr. Losack's experience.) He practices in Oceanside, Calif.