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.
Martha Brown Menard, PhD, LMT
Dr. Martha Brown Menard is the author of Making Sense of Research and co-executive director of the Academic Consortium for Complementary & Alternative Health Care (ACCAHC). She is also the director of the Crocker Institute and a licensed massage therapist in Kiawah Island, S.C.