What is an EMG?
EMG (electromyography) is a type of diagnostic test that allows your doctor to evaluate the health of your nerves and muscles. Your nerves send out electrical signals to control your muscles. EMG measures these electrical signals, revealing problems with your nerves, muscles, or both.
A nerve conduction study is a type of EMG that measures the speed and strength of the electrical signals traveling between your nerves and muscles.
Why might I need an EMG?
EMG and nerve conduction studies are useful in identifying a number of muscle and nerve disorders. Your doctor may recommend an EMG if you suffer from symptoms like numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, or muscle weakness.
EMG can help your doctor diagnose conditions like:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Herniated disks
- Neuropathy
- Sciatic nerve problems
- Muscle disorders
EMG is a low-risk procedure with few complications. If you suffer from symptoms of a nerve or muscle disorder, an accurate diagnosis ensures you receive the most effective treatment for your condition.
Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine provides safe and convenient EMG at their office so you can get the right diagnosis and the treatment you need all under the same roof.
What should I expect from the procedure?
During your EMG, your provider inserts an electrode needle directly into the muscle. To begin, your doctor cleans the area over the muscle in need of testing.
After inserting the electrode needle, the EMG records the activity in your muscle while at rest. Your provider then instructs you to contract the muscle so the EMG can record the muscle activity while it's in use.
If you’re getting a nerve conduction study, your provider places stimulating electrodes near your nerves and a different type of electrode near your muscles to record the activity. Your provider then sends electrical impulses through the stimulating electrodes to stimulate your nerve to send signals to your muscles.
Your provider records the time it takes your muscle to respond to the electrical impulse.
What happens after the procedure?
After the procedure, your doctor uses your results to determine if you’re experiencing a problem with your nerves, muscles, or both. Your doctor then works with you to determine the most effective treatment for your condition.
Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment may include oral medication, steroid injections, physical therapy, or surgery.
To find out if EMG or a nerve conduction survey is right for you, book an appointment at Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine by phone or request an appointment online today.
