Redefine Healthcare Offering Electromyography

“It’s natural to experience muscular soreness or numbness now and then,” says a Redefine Healthcare spokesperson. “but when a patient is having a persistent problem such as pain or cramping, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, and we aren’t sure why electromyography can give us the answers we need.”

This test can diagnose a range of problems including neuromuscular diseases, nerve problems in the spine or elsewhere, pinched nerves, peripheral nerve problems in the arms or legs, and conditions in which the patient’s own immune system attacks their nerves.

Redefine Healthcare is pleased to announce that they will now be offering electromyography at their four New Jersey locations. Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure used to determine the health of muscles and nerve cells. Doctors use EMG to diagnose tissue or nerve dysfunction or issues with signal transmissions from the nerves to the muscles.

The electrical signals transmitted by the motor neurons (the nerves that control the muscles) cause the muscle to contract. An EMG makes use of tiny electrodes to translate these signals into sounds, numerical values, or graphs for the specialist to interpret.

Reasons For An EMG

Your doctor may recommend an EMG if you have symptoms of a muscle or nerve disorder such as numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, muscle cramping or pain. The results of an EMG can help your doctor rule out other conditions such as muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, carpal tunnel syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or herniated disk.

Preparing For An EMG

Patients don’t need to do anything special to prepare for this test other than avoiding a few things before their appointment. For example, patients should not apply any lotions or oils to their skin before their test; they should not consume caffeine or sugary drinks for a few hours before, either. They also should not smoke just before a test. It’s essential that a patient speaks with their doctor about any medications they take to find out whether they should skip them or continue them as normal. Also, a patient should be sure to inform their doctor if they have a pacemaker.

What To Expect

Electromyography can be performed in an office or hospital setting, typically on a same-day basis. The patient will have electrodes placed on the skin as well as thin needles inserted through the skin into the muscles. During an EMG, the electrodes will periodically emit tiny electrical currents that will feel like spasms or twinges. If needle electrodes are used, the discomfort may be more intense but will end upon removal of the needles. You will receive instructions on when to rest and contract specific muscles and specific times, and you may be asked to change positions during the procedure. If the muscles respond normally to nerve signals, then other causes of muscle pain or weakness may be explored such as infection, circulation problems, diabetes, or a lack of muscle fitness. After the EMG, you may notice some minor and temporary bruising that fades within a few days.

Results

After your procedure, a neurologist interprets the results and prepares a report. You will then attend a follow-up appointment at which time your primary care doctor or the doctor who ordered the test will discuss the results with you and help you decide on a course of action.

Follow Up

Complications following electromyography are highly unlikely. The patient may experience mild soreness where the needles were inserted for a day or two after the procedure. Do tell your doctor if you notice any signs of infection such as swelling around the needle marks. The results of the study will be reviewed, and you will be given the results. If the test shows that you have a damaged nerve or a neuromuscular disorder, you will most likely be referred to a specialist, who will make recommendations for further testing or treatments such as lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.

Award-Winning Doctors And Treatments At Redefine Healthcare

At Redefine Healthcare, we pride ourselves in offering comprehensive, quality care to those in our community. We employ, a compassionate and skilled team, led by board-certified specialists who make patient care and education their top priority. We provide a range of treatments for various spine and pain issues and use the latest research and technology to ensure that we deliver the best care possible. If you are experiencing pain, contact the team at Redefine Healthcare today to schedule a consultation.