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.
Scott Haldeman, DC, MD, PhD
Dr. Scott Haldeman is chairman of the research council of the World Federation of Chiropractic and presided over the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. He is a clinical professor, Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine; an adjunct professor, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles; and an adjunct professor, Department of Research, Southern California University of Health Sciences. A resident of Santa Ana, Calif., he maintains an active clinical practice in neurology.