EMG/NCV testing is used to help diagnose neuromuscular diseases.  These include carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, radiculopathy, brachial plexopathy, etc.  You may undergo EMG testing, NCV testing, or both, depending on your presenting symptoms.  It will take between 45 minutes and 1 hour to complete both procedures.

Nerve Conduction Velocity Study (NCV)
Nerve conduction studies test the flow of electrical currents across your nerves.  This will help your physician determine if there is an abnormal nerve condition or nerve injury.  This test is usually ordered in patients experiencing numbness or weakness in the arms or legs. 
 
A physician will place small electrodes on the skin.  An electrical impulse is then used to stimulate the nerves.  The reaction of the nerve to the impulse will be recorded by a computer and a calculation will be made to determine the severity of a nerve injury.
 
Please cleanse all surfaces thoroughly before your appointment and do not wear any powder or skin lotion.  This preparation will help ensure proper electrode adhesion.
 
Electromyelogram (EMG)
An EMG may be ordered by a physician to measure electrical activities in the muscle.
 
A physician will insert small needles into the muscles of the arms or legs, depending on the areas being tested.  The needles are used to measure electrical signals from the muscles.  There is no electrical current applied through the needle.
 
Take your medications as you normally would, unless otherwise instructed.  You may eat as normal and can drive yourself to and from the test.  You will be able to resume your normal activities immediately following the test

COMMON THERAPEUTIC SPINAL PROCEDURES
 
Collier Spine Institute provides the latest in non-invasive pain management treatments.  The following are some of the treatments performed by our physician.
 
Facet Joint Injections
Facet Joint Injections are chemical sensory nerve blocks which temporarily block and treat low back stemming from inflammation, or irritation of the facet joints in the spine.  These joints are located on each side of the vertebrae. 
 
Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)
An ESI is a common type of injection that is given to provide relief from certain types of low back pain and neck pain.  This treatment is performed by injecting corticosteroids, via fluoroscopy, into the epidural space of the vertebral column.  The injected medication coats the irritated spinal nerves relieving pain.
 
Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections
The transforaminal approach is a more selective injection around a specific nerve root to deliver the steroids exactly near the involved root.
 
Facet Neurolysis/Rhizotomy
A facet Rhizotomy is the destruction of a facet nerve, either in the lower lumber region or the cervical region using radiofrequency waves (heat waves).