GLOSSARY OF TERMS
EMG/NCS (electromyography /nerve conduction studies): These are diagnostic studies that allow us to “write down of the electrical activity of muscle” and “measures how fast nerve impulses travel within your body”. We perform this procedure to help diagnose nerve and muscle injuries.
ESI (epidural steroid injections): These x-ray guided injections are done for patients with irritated spinal nerves. When the nerves that exit the spine get compressed or irritated, numbness, tingling, pain and muscle weakness can result. When this occurs in the lower back, patients experience SCIATICA – back pain radiating into the leg with neurologic symptoms. Our injection places medication around the irritated nerve to calm it down.
FACET JOINT INJECTIONS: These x-ray guided injections are done to treat the joints located on each side of the vertebrae. When irritated or injured, these joints can become inflamed and cause back or neck pain. During the injection, medication is placed in these joints to relieve pain and inflammation. If the injection does not give long-term benefit, consideration of a more specialized procedure called “neurotomy” is given.
PERIPHERAL JOINT, TENDON & BURSA INJECTIONS: These procedures may be performed with ultrasound or x-ray guidance to improve the accuracy and safety of the procedure. They target treatment of focal injuries to joints and related structures. They often have a diagnostic value as well, and tracking of symptoms after the procedure by the patient may be requested.
IMS (intramuscular stimulation): This minimally invasive technique can reduce pain aggravated by chronic muscle tightness. This procedure is also called “trigger point needling.” It relaxes the muscles that have become sensitive and tight after trauma or from overuse. It involves inserting tiny needles into the muscles most affected by the underlying injury.
BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTION (e.g. Myobloc) is a treatment for cervical dystonia (abnormal positioning of the neck and shoulder, often associated with pain), certain kinds of headache, and thoracic outlet syndrome.