Thermographic imaging of pathoneurophysiology due to cervical disc herniation.

A patient suffering from cervical disc herniation as noted by magnetic resonance imaging was tested for presence of nerve irritation using infrared telethermography. The thermal findings and asymmetries observed followed a dermatomal pattern of hypothermia and decreased thermal emission. The neurophysiological information derived from the thermographic examination may be helpful in the diagnosis and management of cervical disc herniations encountered in clinical practice.