[Eric]

#31354

Hi Dr. Corenman, I had a long distance consultation with you earlier this summer re: cervical spine. I thought it might be easiest if I ask a follow up question here.

I’m still waiting to see a neurosurgeon in Canada. My doctor ordered a needle EMG (for some reason?) even though I have not complained of muscle or strength loss, but only textbook rediculopathy pain and numbness (shoulder to fingers). When the EMG came back normal, the neurologist wrote “no evidence of cervical rediculothy”, even though he had seen my MRI/x-rays and was aware of my symptoms. I was stunned by this as I have been in severe pain for six years and images show significant degeneration at C5-7, as you have seen yourself. His comments could serve to further delay any potential treatment in Canada.

Does a normal EMG result rule out cervical rediculopthy or can a patient suffer from it and show no evidence of muscle/nerve weakness in the effected arm? Thank you.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#31355

A normal EMG of the cervical spine rules out only motor weakness and peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes like carpel and cubital tunnel syndrome. EMGs are commonly negative even if the patient has shoulder/arm pain and paresthesias (numbness and “pins and needles”). His statement “no evidence of cervical rediculothy” is totally wrong and misleading.

Dr. Corenman

[Eric]

#31356

Appreciate the clarity. Thank you for the prompt reply.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#31359

Please keep in touch as to how you successfully negotiate the healthcare system in Canada.

Dr. Corenman

[Author]

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