Millions of Americans experience symptoms like numbness, tingling, or unexplained muscle weakness each year, many of which are linked to nerve or muscle disorders. Identifying the source of these issues often starts with one important question: What is an EMG, and how can it help?
At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, we offer expert EMG and nerve conduction testing at multiple locations throughout the Lehigh Valley. Our physicians use this advanced diagnostic test to evaluate nerve and muscle function, helping diagnose everything from carpal tunnel syndrome to peripheral neuropathy. To schedule your EMG test, request an appointment online or call us at 610-973-6200.
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Let’s explore five of the most common conditions that EMG testing helps diagnose—and how this test can provide clarity and confidence in your care.
What Is an EMG?
An EMG test records the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. It is often performed alongside a nerve conduction study, which evaluates how quickly and effectively electrical signals travel along your nerves, also known as nerve conduction velocity.
Here’s how it works:
- Small, sterile needles are inserted into specific muscles to detect electrical responses.
- Electrical stimulation is applied through surface electrodes to measure nerve responses.
- The test typically lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on how many areas are being evaluated.
Some patients ask, “Is an EMG test painful?” You may feel a brief pinch or twitch during testing, but most people tolerate it well. Discomfort is typically minimal and resolves quickly after the test is complete.
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Nerve Compression Disorders
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common conditions diagnosed through EMG testing. It occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed at the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand and fingers.
EMG and nerve conduction studies help confirm the diagnosis by:
- Measuring how well the median nerve conducts electrical signals
- Determining the severity of the compression
- Ruling out other nerve disorders or overlapping conditions
This information is critical for deciding whether conservative treatment or surgery is the best next step.
2. Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the peripheral nerves, often seen in conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or after injury.
Symptoms may include:
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Burning sensations or sharp pain
- Muscle cramps or weakness
EMG nerve conduction testing helps identify the type and extent of nerve damage. It can also help differentiate between sensory and motor nerve involvement, providing key insights into the underlying cause of the neuropathy.
3. Muscle Disorders Such as Myopathy
Certain conditions directly affect muscle tissue rather than the nerves. These muscle disorders include myopathies, which may be inherited (such as muscular dystrophy) or acquired due to inflammation, medication side effects, or systemic illness.
EMG testing helps diagnose myopathies by:
- Evaluating the pattern of electrical activity in affected muscles
- Identifying abnormalities that are typical of muscle disorders
- Helping to distinguish muscle disease from nerve-related conditions
If you’re experiencing muscle soreness, fatigue, or weakness without an obvious cause, EMG may be a valuable diagnostic step.
4. Radiculopathy and Spinal Nerve Issues
Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the spine is compressed or irritated, often due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or arthritis.
Common symptoms include:
- Radiating pain down the arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling in a specific distribution
- Weakness in certain muscle groups
EMG and nerve conduction studies help localize the affected nerve root and assess the severity of the compression. This information is often used alongside imaging to confirm the diagnosis and guide spine treatment plans.
5. Motor Neuron Diseases (e.g., ALS)
Though rare, motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can also be evaluated using EMG.
In these cases, EMG may detect:
- Widespread muscle weakness without sensory loss
- Abnormal spontaneous electrical activity in muscles
- Signs of progressive denervation and reinnervation
EMG is one of several tools neurologists use to support a diagnosis of ALS or rule out other neuromuscular conditions with similar symptoms.
Why Choose OAA for EMG Testing?
At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, we’re committed to providing accurate, timely, and patient-centered care. Our EMG services are performed by experienced, board-certified physicians who specialise in diagnosing nerve and muscle disorders with precision and compassion.
Here’s why patients and referring providers trust OAA:
- Expertise You Can Rely On: Our physicians are highly trained in EMG nerve conduction testing, ensuring thorough evaluations and clear explanations of your results.
- Convenient Access: With multiple locations across the Lehigh Valley, including Allentown, Bethlehem, Lehighton, and New Tripoli, getting tested close to home is simple.
- Seamless Coordination: We work closely with your referring provider to ensure continuity of care and that next steps are clearly communicated.
- Patient-First Care: From check-in to follow-up, our team is focused on your comfort, your questions, and your care experience.
When you choose OAA, you’re choosing a team dedicated to helping you find answers and move forward with confidence.
Get Answers with EMG Testing at OAA Orthopedic Specialists
EMG testing is a powerful tool that helps identify nerve and muscle conditions so treatment can begin sooner. If you’re dealing with ongoing symptoms, OAA Orthopedic Specialists is here to help.
Request your appointment online or call us at 610-973-6200 to learn how our EMG services can support your diagnosis and next steps in care.
