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.
Spencer Baron, DC, DACBSP
Dr. Spencer Baron is the former team chiropractic physician for the Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Marlins (MLB) and Florida Panthers (NHL). He is the founder of Doctors of Chiropractic: Sports (DoCS; www.DoC-Sports.com, sponsored by Performance Health and a growing list of other chiropractic vendors; president of NeuroSport Elite; and a nationally acclaimed speaker, educator and author of Secrets of the Game.