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Man receiving Electrodiagnostic testing

If I Have Pins and Needles Sensations, Do I Really Need a Nerve Conduction Study?

Electrodiagnostic testing is a two-part procedure to test both muscles and nerves in the upper and lower extremities.

The first part of this study, the nerve conduction study, administers small electrical impulses to nerves and measures the speed and strength of these impulses between two points to determine if the nerve impulse falls within a normal range or if they are slowed, which can occur when a nerve is pinched or damaged. Many of our patients describe the sensation as being akin to rubbing your feet on the carpet and then touching a doorknob, but the sensation is repeated several times.

The second part of the study, the EMG, uses small acupuncture-like needles, which are inserted superficially into a few muscles, to measure the electrical activity of these muscles at rest and when contracted.

The two studies are done at the same time and although they may not sound like the most fun tests in the world, they can shed some light on a patient’s symptoms and how best to treat. Case in point, we had a patient come in to one of our Advanced Spine and Pain clinics recently, complaining of pins and needles sensations in her left upper extremity. Just for fun, we will refer to this patient as Elektra. Elektra came in and was convinced that she had a pinched nerve in her neck that was causing the pins and needles sensation and was hoping to receive an epidural to treat her symptoms. Elektra was sent for updated imaging of her neck but also an upper extremity NCS/EMG. As it turned out her nerve testing revealed that Elektra had a carpal tunnel syndrome in her left wrist that was causing the pins and needles and not a pinched nerve in the neck. Her MRI did not reflect any disc or nerve issues. Elektra’s carpal tunnel was treated, and her symptoms did improve. Had we quickly pursued Elektra’s initial request, it could have significantly delayed resolution of her symptoms.

If your arms or legs have fallen asleep, and you are experiencing pins and needles sensations, please wake up and come on in to one of our Advanced Spine and Pain locations for evaluation and treatment.

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Advanced Spine and Pain is a leading pain management group based in Phoenix, AZ, and quickly expanding throughout the state. Offering minimally-invasive pain care services, the ASAP group consists of Arizona's top pain management specialists, including Drs. Abram Burgher, Todd Turley, and Jarrett Leathem.

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