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Nerve Tests for Diagnosing Back Pain

Nerve tests, also called electrodiagnostic studies, are used to determine whether the electrical activity of the nerves has been disrupted as a result of problems in the back. The most common is electromyography. Also called an EMG or myogram, electromyography is a procedure that involves inserting needle electrodes through the skin into a muscle. The electrical activity detected by the electrodes is displayed on a piece of equipment called an oscilloscope that resembles a TV screen with wavy lines crossing it. The presence, size and shape of the waves produced on the screen tell your doctor how able your muscles are to respond to nerve stimulation and can assist in the diagnosis of problems involving the nervous system.

Read about the use of electromyography in diagnosing spinal stenosis.

ian wield

21 Apr 2012, 13:11

I had a knee op with an epidural 3 years ago when i woke up i could not feel my feet they had damaged the nerves in my legs Istill cant get sleeping at night Dr gave me sleeping pills what do nothing lucky if i get 2 hours a night They say nothing can be done Any sugestions

Cindy

16 Dec 2011, 10:49

I am 27 yrs old and yesterday I was diagnosed with spinal arthritis. I have gotten 3 spinal taps done since 2007. The last one was just recent in June 2011. On my last spinal tap I had to go back to the hospital because I got a spinal headache an the doctor had to do a patch. Can all this caused me to get arthritis on my back? I dont know what else to do, I am in so much pain. My neurologist referred me to a pain management and to do physical therapy. I'm in pain all day long, some days stronger than others but always in pain....anything you suggest?

Linda Coulter-Jones

28 Sep 2011, 19:18

My neck and spine are a train wreck with arthritis, bone spurs, curvature of the spine, and trauma from many falls on my one side.

Lots of x-rays, PT, massages (never turn one down) and being grumpy, I would love to get some of these tests. My docs are pretty conservative, so I guess I will have to take the initiative and get something done.

Have any of you had experience with getting disability? I'm 58 and have the stamina of a lettuce leaf.

Jayne B. Gilmore

09 Apr 2011, 02:41

With rough bone spures knocking/rubbing occipital nerves causeing occiptal neuralgia can a chiroprator/naturalpath do anything without causing additonal damage w/manipulation. How about acupuncture. If we could at least relieve the dual shoulder pains that migrates to other trigger points next to shoulder blades, maybe it will break the cycle which we though was all caused by the pancreativ divisium nerve activity.
Thanks

TAMMY AUSTAD

20 Feb 2011, 00:05

IN 2002 I WAS GIVEN AND EPIDURAL WHILE IN LABOR WITH MY FOURTH CHILD.IMMEDIATELY WHEN IT WORE OFF, I HAD SEVERE PAIN IN MY LOWER BACK. I WAS GIVEN TYLENOL 3 W/CODEINE IN THE HOSPITAL AND A HEATING PAD. IT WAS INTOLERABLE! A COUPLE MONTHS AFTER THIS I KEPT GOING TO THE DR.'S AND COMPLAINING. THEY KEPT SAYING IT WOULD GO AWAY WITH TIME. NEEDLESS TO SAY, 9 MONTHS LATER, I STILL HAD THE SAME AMOUNT OF PAIN AND NOTHING WAS HELPING! I BEGAN SEEING A NEW DR.AFTER SEVERAL BLOOD TESTS, X-RAYS, CT, AND MRI SCANS, HE DIAGNOSED ME OSTEOARTHRITIS, FIBROMAYLGIA, AND SCIATICA. IT HAS BEEN 8+ YRS. AND I AM TAKING ULTRAM AND HAVE THE FENTYNOL PATCH. MY PAIN IS GETTING WORSE AND HAVE NO IDEA WHERE TO GO FROM HERE. ANY SUGGESTION?

Kim

08 Feb 2011, 21:30

I had Laser SPine Surgery on my lumbar back in 2008, two years later I found out now I have Arthritis in my spine. Its horrible to live with and I am not able to work nor do my daily functions. I need a cure fast, I am young and restless. Please let me know what options I may have.

Thanks!

Elly

16 Sep 2010, 10:27

I have had left hip, leg and knee pain for 5 months.After visiting my rheumatologist and getting cortisone shots in the hip (he thought it might be bursitis), taking a surge of prednisone without relief, going to a massage therapist for muscle strengthening, I finally decided to see a chiropractor. He took an x-ray of the lower spine and saw a noticeable curve to the right. He also said my right leg was 1/2" shorter and may have caused the curving. Anyway, he diagnosed me with a pinched nerve.I am nearly done with adjustments. These treatments have greatly relieved the pain.

Linda

26 Aug 2010, 18:17

Definitely try alternative care before surgery. Find a good Naturopathic physician who uses diet and herbs, try accupuncture, homeopathy, yoga & meditation. Don't know if these things will stop the pain, but I've had quite a bit of pain relief.

Myra Weiger

23 Aug 2010, 21:16

I have had terible pain in my neck, up and down the left side, inside the skull. I've had all of the MRI's, Cat scans, x-rays, and examinations, long times between visits with the specialists, and I am no better. I thought I would get some relief before school starts. I am seeing the neurosurgeon tomorrow after a long wait for an appt, and then I will call up for alternative medical care and pain management appt's. No one should have to live this long with pain 24/7 for a year. I can not go anywhere for pleasure. Just work and groceries.

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Nerve Tests for Diagnosing Back Pain

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