/assets/production/practices/b72407f387b3a466c33beb7ad099225296f50603/images/2848388.jpg)
When you're experiencing unsettling symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or chronic pain, pinpointing the exact cause is the first step in getting effective treatment. At Revive Spine and Pain Center, Michael Rizkalla, MD, Mahmud Ibrahim, MD, and the experienced medical team offer electrodiagnostics to get a clear picture of nerve and muscle issues that can be difficult to diagnose with just a physical exam. Book your appointment online today or by calling the nearest office in Marlton, Hamilton Township, East Brunswick, and Northfield, New Jersey.
Electrodiagnostics Q & A
What is electrodiagnostics?
The Revive Spine and Pain Center team uses electrodiagnostics to evaluate your nerve and muscle health and function, conducting tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS).
These tests measure the electrical activity within your muscles and the speed at which nerves transmit signals throughout your body. By analyzing these electrical signals, the team can determine whether your symptoms are related to nerve damage, nerve compression, muscle disorders, or other neuromuscular conditions.
The more information they have, the better they can address underlying causes of pain, weakness, and nerve-related symptoms.
What can electrodiagnostics help with?
The team can use electrodiagnostics to investigate and diagnose many conditions or troubling symptoms, including:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Sciatica
- Pinched nerves
- Herniated discs resulting in nerve compression
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Radiculopathy affecting the neck or lower back
- Muscle weakness
- Nerve injuries from sports or accidents
- Chronic neck pain
- Chronic back pain
- Sensations like tingling, numbness, or burning in your arms or legs
Testing can provide vital answers when imaging studies alone don’t tell your full story.
What can I expect from electrodiagnostics?
To start, your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, and any previous imaging or treatments, as well as explaining the procedure and answering your questions. They may then recommend:
Nerve conduction study (NCS)
This involves placing small electrodes on your skin over specific nerves. Mild electrical impulses are delivered to measure how quickly and effectively the nerves transmit signals.
Electromyography (EMG)
Your provider inserts a very thin needle electrode into selected muscles to measure their electrical activity. This helps evaluate how your muscles respond to nerve signals.
The entire appointment typically takes 30-90 minutes. After your testing is complete, your provider reviews the results and explains what they mean. The findings can help guide treatment recommendations, which may include:
- Physical therapy
- Medication management
- Nerve treatments
- Injections
- Regenerative medicine
- Other orthopedic and pain management therapies
Electrodiagnostic testing can provide much-needed answers, accurately diagnosing nerve and muscle conditions. By uncovering the source of your symptoms, the team can build a targeted treatment plan to ease your pain and promote your best quality of life.
Call the nearest Revive Spine and Pain Center office today or request an appointment online to learn more about electrodiagnostics.