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.
Phil Souza
Phil Souza is executive vice president of sales and marketing for Chiroflow Inc., a Toronto-based corporation. He can be reached with questions and comments at phil.s@mediflow.com.