Electromyography (EMG)

IS PAIN ON YOUR NERVES?

• Is your pain constant and annoying?
• Intermittent and unpredictable?
• Do you experience numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your limbs or extremities?

Radiating pain can be deceptive.

Getting to the real root of your pain is essential in treating your pain.

Pain is a master of disguise...

Referred pain is when you perceive pain in one part of your body, but the pain generator can lie in a completely different part of your body.

Your nervous system is an intricate network of nerves. Sometimes the wires get crossed and will send inaccurate information to your brain about where your pain is coming from.

Referred pain can be an indicator of serious conditions. It can also be the result of a non-critical issue that could be resolved with simple medical treatment to relieve pain right away. Both are best treated with an early and proper diagnosis.

How do you find the true nerve origin of pain?

Electromyography Testing (EMG)

Why use EMG testing?

The EMG test will provide insight about the extent of an injury, as well as the exact location of the injury. It can also reveal problems with nerve to muscle signal transmissions.

X-rays provide a clear picture of the structure of bones, MRIs capture very detailed images of soft tissue, organs, bone, brain, and spine.

Only electromagnetic testing analyzes electrical nerve transmissions. There are times when X Rays and MRI do not indicate pathologies, and yet an individual is experiencing continuous pain. EMG can help diagnose this pain.

How are EMGs Helpful?

1. PAIN MAPPING: Pain can be deceptive. Referred pain is perceived pain in one side of the body, but the pain generator lies in a completely different part of the body. Your nervous system is an intricate network of nerves. Sometimes wires get crossed and send inaccurate information to your brain about where the pain is coming from. EMGs map out the particular nerve branch that is being irritated.
2. THE EMG CAN DECIPHER THE NATURE OF THE PAIN: Determine if it is metabolic or mechanical in nature, or possibly overlapping. There are multiple medical conditions that can mimic a mechanical injury having similar symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or burning sensations.
3. The Emg Can Differentiate Between Chronic And Acute Pain, Old Vs. New.

How do EMGs differ from other diagnostic exams?

1. Only electromagnetic testing analyzes electrical nerve transmissions. X-rays, CT, MRI provide a clear picture of structures, such as bone, organs and soft tissues.
2. Images obtained by X-Ray, CT, and MRI are interpreted by a radiologist and is subjective. in the EMG, the patient has an actual physiological response.

Is an EMG painful?

EMG testing utilizes sensors and electrodes placed on the outside of your skin. Most patients report feeling tingling sensations like tiny shocks. Some experience mild pain or cramping. A small needle is used during the second portion of the testing. This may cause some discomfort at the insertion of the needle.

How is EMG testing important in treating spinal conditions?

Some common spinal conditions that can be diagnosed utilizing EMG tests

• Radiculopathy
• Sciatica
• Pinched Nerve
• Compressive Neuropathy

EMG testing is also important in ruling out other neuromuscular disease and musculoskeletal disorders. EMG results will also pinpoint the pain generator to be treated.

How do pain doctors have an advantage utilizing EMG tests?

EMG testing is part of a diagnostic method referred to as pain mapping. It helps determine the nerve origin of pain, and the level of the spine at which a therapeutic injection will be most effective.

The advantage of localization of EMG verses an approach without use of EMG:

1. Use smaller dosages of medicine at localized area (healthier for the patient)
2. Provide maximum pain relief
3. Produce effective longer lasting results.

EMG and diagnosing Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

There are 43 pairs of peripheral nerves which are positioned throughout the body and are responsible for functions of sensation, movement, and motor coordination.

Peripheral nerves are fragile and easily damaged. When signals are interrupted, muscle weakness, numbness, burning, tingling, or pain may occur in various limbs or extremities. EMG tests can determine if there is damage, the extent of the damage, and sometimes the cause.

Peripheral nerve damage may be caused by diabetes or other metabolic problems, auto immune disease, traumatic injury, infections, exposure to toxins, or genetics. Early diagnosis is important to control the damage and to prevent further damage.

Consult a SpineTECH specialist to learn about the new and advanced ways of treating chronic neuropathic pain, utilizing peripheral nerve modulation.