Electrodiagnostic Testing (EMG/NCV)

The diagnosis of many specific pain-related conditions may be enhanced by the performance of electrodiagnostic testing. This test is considered for patients who have complaints of numbness, tingling, weakness, muscle cramps, and radiating pain. Commonly diagnosed conditions are cervical and lumbosacral radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, neuropathy, myopathy, brachial plexopathy, and lumbosacral plexopathy.

Electrodiagnostic testing for pain management usually consists of two segments:

• Nerve conduction velocity (NCV)

• Electromyography (EMG)

NCV studies how specific nerves are electrically sending their signals to corresponding muscles by transmitting small electrical impulses to the study nerves, which feels like a quick, small shock similar to static electricity. EMG studies show those corresponding muscles are receiving the electrical signals by gently placing a small, thin needle into the muscles as electrical impulses are recorded both visually and auditorily.

The test assesses for nerve and muscle damage, which cannot be physiologically measured through imaging studies. Through electrodiagnostic testing, we can assess the speed and strength of these nerve signals, and how the muscles are functioning. The results are recorded and placed into a formal report, which will then be sent to the referring provider to use in establishing a treatment plan.