Expert Advice   Print Version Q. My doctor thinks I have a pinched nerve in my neck and wants to do an EMG test? What does EMG stand for, and how will this test help my doctor diagnose my condition? A. EMG is the abbreviation of electromyogram. This is a test that looks at the function of the nerve roots leaving the spine. Tiny electrodes are inserted into the muscles of the arm. If a nerve is irritated from pressure as it leaves the neck, the EMG will register abnormal signals in the muscle. Think of how you test the wiring on a lamp. If you place a working bulb into the lamp, and the bulb lights up, you assume that the wiring is OK. But when the bulb doesn't light up, you can safely assume that something is probably wrong with the wiring. Either the lamp is unplugged, or there is a short circuit. Like the light bulb in the lamp, the EMG is a way to check the muscles to make sure the nerves that supply the muscles are working. If the EMG shows abnormal signals in the arm muscles (the light bulb) your doctor may assume that the nerves (the wiring) may be irritated or "pinched" somewhere between your neck and the muscles that were tested. Print Version		Anatomy and Function of the Spine Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems Q. When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery? A. It depends on the type and location of your surgery. A micro-discectomy… Clicking on any of the links will take you to a Web site to which this Privacy Policy does not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with such Web sites. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Home | Articles | Expert Advice | Medical Professionals | Topic Centers | Locator | Glossary | Search | Contact Us

© DePuy Spine, Inc. 2003-2009. All rights reserved. This site is owned and published by DePuy Spine, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents. This site is intended for residents of the U.S. only. For more information see our Privacy Policy and Legal Notice.