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.
Wren Burton, DC, MPH
Dr. Wren Burton is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She has an interest in healthy aging and pain management within the framework of whole-person health, as well as researching models of care to improve patient access to nonpharmacological treatments.