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.
Ricardo Fujikawa, DC, MD
Dr. Ricardo Fujikawa is the immediate past president of the Brazilian Chiropractic Association and advisor to the association's Committee on Regulation. Currently, he resides in Spain, where he serves as director of the College of Chiropractic at the Royal University Centre in Madrid.