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.
Paul E. Dougherty, DC, DABCO
Dr. Paul Dougherty, primary author for this month's "Chiropractic in the APHA" column, chairs the Chiropractic Health Care section of the APHA. Contributing to this article is Toby King, executive director of the U.S. Bone and Joint Decade.