Electromyography (EMG)

EMG, or electromyography, is a diagnostic procedure used to assess nerve and muscle function. By measuring the electrical activity in your muscles, EMG can detect dysfunction in the nerves, muscles, or the connection between them. This helps your provider accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan.

Mercer-Bucks Orthopedics uses EMG to evaluate a wide range of nerve and muscle conditions, including:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers, hand, or wrist.
• Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve from conditions like a herniated disc can cause pain, tingling, or weakness radiating from the lower back to the legs.
• Peripheral neuropathy: Nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands and feet. Diabetes is a common cause.
• Stiff or tight muscles: Muscle rigidity may result from sprains, strains, injuries, or underlying medical conditions affecting nerve or muscle function.

During EMG testing, your provider inserts small electrodes, or fine needles, into specific muscles. These electrodes measure the electrical activity of your muscles at rest and during slight and moderate contractions.

The test helps identify abnormalities in nerve signals or muscle function. Mild soreness at the needle insertion sites may occur after the procedure, but this typically resolves within a few days.

After completing the EMG, your provider reviews the results and creates a personalized treatment plan based on the findings.

EMG provides a precise, minimally invasive way to identify the root cause of nerve or muscle dysfunction. This ensures that your orthopaedic provider can recommend the most effective treatments for pain relief, improved mobility, and long-term health.