What is electromyography?

Electromyography (EMG) is a medical examination during which peripheral nerve functions are assessed to pinpoint the nature and level of injury due to nerve lesion. To put it simply, the electrical activity in muscles at rest and during contraction is examined using an electromyogram. Analysis of the electrical activity of muscles and nerves is used to diagnose muscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy or nerve lesion. The procedure is recommended when a muscular, nerve or muscle-nerve junction disease is suspected.

This type of diagnostic test is quite useful in locating the exact origin of certain neurological disorders or muscle pain that may have more than one source, such as the following:

• Central (brain or spinal column)
• Peripheral nerve
• Neuromuscular (nerve conduction disorder)
• Muscular (pure muscular lesion)

EMG has several applications. For example, when a back nerve is pinched or damaged due to a herniated disc, electromyography allows a physiatrist to identify the nerve involved and assess the severity of the injury. When a nerve is pinched in the wrist or in the case of any other peripheral nerve compression due to the impact of a carpal tunnel syndrome, the electromyogram is an excellent diagnostic tool. It is particularly recommended in the diagnosis of muscular pain and neurological injury.

Clinique de physiatrie et médecine du sport Rockland specializes in electromyography (EMG) diagnosis. Our equipment is at the cutting edge of technology. The care that our physicians and all our administrative staff provide to our patients, combined with our experts’ qualifications make our clinic the place to go in Montréal for patients suffering from muscle pain, a herniated disc and other nerve-related problems.