The one-year point prevalence of low back pain in the US population is 15-20%. When new acute low back pain occurs in patients who have chronic pain, general recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of the acute pain are the same as for patients without chronic pain. The prognosis is worse with obesity or smoking. Patients with multiple sclerosis also sometimes benefit from adaptive equipment.While the acute prognosis is good for most, prognosis worsens for the minority with longer symptom duration. We fit patients with wheelchairs or braces after they have had a stroke or following a debilitating impairment or diagnosis, with the overall goal to increase independence. Our specialists fit patients who have amputations or gait (walking) abnormalities with prosthetics (artificial body parts) and orthotics (a support, splint or brace to enhance body function). We perform steroid (pain medication) injections for patients with chronic neck or back pain. We offer epidurals (medication injected into the spine) for neck pain, back pain or those with lumbar radiculopathy (pain caused by compression in the spine that extends to the legs and/or feet). Epidurals and steroid injections under fluoroscopy (intermittent imaging of x-rays that creates an “x-ray movie”) We work to control spasticity (pulling or stiffness in the muscles) using oral medications, physical therapy, Botox injections, Phenol injections and Intrathecal Baclofen pumps. Ultrasound imaging is radiation-free, and patients with metal implants and pacemakers can be imaged safely. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a dynamic imaging method that allows us to evaluate the area of impairment at rest, and also during painful motion–so we can make an accurate, functional diagnosis. We use ultrasound imaging for joints or musculoskeletal areas that have pain when the patient is not finding relief or diagnosis from other treatment options. Ultrasound imaging of soft tissues and joints The doctor is then able to diagnose what might be causing your symptoms.

In an EMG or NCS, tiny needles are inserted into the muscle through the skin, which report the electrical activity of the nerves and muscles back to a machine.

We use this treatment to help diagnose nerve injuries, radicular pain, numbness, tingling or burning pain, neck pain or back pain.

We offer these treatment options: Electromyography (EMG) or Nerve conduction study (NCS) UC Health’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation team works to bring together specialists from across the UC Health network to best treat debilitating conditions.

Emg test for back pain