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Electromyography, or EMG, involves testing the electrical activity of muscles. Often, EMG testing is performed with another test that measures the conducting function of nerves. This is called a nerve conduction study. Because both tests are often performed at the same office visit and by the same personnel, the risks and procedures generally apply to both tests.

Muscular movement involves the action of muscles and nerves and needs an electrical current. This electrical current is much weaker than the one in household wiring.

In some medical conditions the electrical activity of the muscles or nerves is not normal. Finding and describing these electrical properties in the muscle or nerve may help a doctor diagnose the condition.

EMG may aid with the diagnosis of nerve compression or injury (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), nerve root injury (such as sciatica), and with other problems of the muscles or nerves. Less common medical conditions include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and muscular dystrophy.

Selective nerve root blocks are similar to epidurals. Instead of medicating all of the nerve roots, selective blocks are done so as to cover just one or two nerve roots. They involve injecting medication to numb just one or two of the spinal nerves.

There are two types of selective nerve root blocks ¾ diagnostic and therapeutic. In the case of a diagnostic block, just enough medication is placed to numb exactly one root. By doing this, the doctor can determine if the nerve root is causing the pain. Therapeutic blocks involve more medication and different medication.

Nerve roots are attached to the spinal cord. One exits each side of the spine at every vertebral level. These nerves carry signals throughout the body from the skin to the muscles. When one of the nerve roots is irritated, patients may experience pain, numbness, tingling, and sometimes weakness down an arm or a leg. A diagnostic selective block can be used to prove that a pinched nerve is the problem.

The blocks eliminate arm or leg pain about half of the time. They are not used for midline back pain.