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.
Whitney Lowe, LMT
Whitney Lowe is a licensed massage therapist who writes on orthopedic essentials for one of DC’s sister publications, Massage Today. He has been in practice for more than 20 years, and is a recognized authority on pain and injury treatment with massage. He is also the author of several books.