The EMG study is done with a sterile, small gauge amplifier needle inserted into the muscles of an affected extremity. The NCS picks up signals from two types of nerves: the sensory nerve, which provides sensation signals from the skin, and the motor nerve, which provides power signals to the muscles. The data obtained give the testing physician information regarding the speed and strength of the nerve signal. The NCS is done with a stimulator that generates a mild shock that travels down the nerve the signal generated is picked up by an electrode placed at a specific distance. There are two parts to an electrodiagnostic evaluation: nerve conduction study (NCS) and electromyography (EMG). The test also helps localize the location of spinal nerve damage as well as distinguish if the damage is new or old, and progressive or stable. The study can be used to assess for cervical or lumbar radiculopathy (nerve damage from spine disease), any co-existing peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage from diseases like diabetes), myopathy (muscle disease) or focal neuropathy.

Patel is a physiatrist and treats patients suffering from neck and back pain.įor the spine patient with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, the electrodiagnostic study helps the physician assess for nerve damage coming from the cervical or lumbar spine, as well as evaluate for other nerve-related problems in an extremity (such as peripheral neuropathy).īecause symptoms from a patient withFailed Back Surgery Syndrome can be complicated, additional electrodiagnostic tests can help the physician with accurate diagnosis of the origin(s) of the patient’s pain.Īn electrodiagnostic study, commonly called an EMG, is used to evaluate muscle and nerve function of a person who has extremity or facial pain, numbness and/or weakness.

Back pain after emg test