Diagnostic Nerve Testing (EMG/NCS)

Medically reviewed by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — dual board-certified spine surgeon & neurosurgeon. Last reviewed October 2026.

Diagnostic nerve testing — EMG and nerve conduction studies — objectively identifies which nerve is affected and how severely, so treatment targets the real problem. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, the results are interpreted by a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon who can act on them directly.

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How Nerve Testing Works

Diagnostic Nerve Testing (EMG & NCS)

When pain, numbness, or weakness suggests a nerve problem, diagnostic nerve testing tells us exactly which nerve is affected and how severely. It combines two studies — electromyography (EMG), which measures the electrical activity of muscles, and a nerve conduction study (NCS), which measures how well and how fast a nerve carries signals.

Conditions We Treat

How Nerve Testing Works

A small stimulating electrode delivers a tiny pulse to a nerve, and a recording electrode measures the response — revealing where a signal is slowed or blocked. Fine, thin electrodes may also assess the muscles the nerve controls. The result is an objective map of your nerve function that pinpoints the problem and distinguishes, for example, a pinched spinal nerve from a nerve compressed elsewhere.

What to Expect

Testing is done in the office and usually takes 30–60 minutes. You may feel brief, mild pulses or small pinpricks — most patients tolerate it easily. The findings guide a precise treatment plan, whether that's targeted therapy, an injection, or, when a nerve is significantly compressed, decompression.

Life Beyond the Pain

Why Choose Our Spine Specialists in Phoenix

Choosing the right spine specialist in Phoenix matters. At Desert Spine and Pain, your care is led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — a physician who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon. That dual expertise is rare, and it means one expert can guide you across the full spectrum of care — from a simple injection to complex surgery — and recommend what is genuinely best for you, whether you need a spine doctor for conservative care or a surgeon when surgery is truly the answer.

Insurance & Out-of-Network

We welcome out-of-network patients and will explain your likely costs and coverage before anything is scheduled — no surprises, and no referral required.

Proudly Serving the Greater Phoenix, Arizona Area

Diagnostic Nerve Testing: Frequently Asked Questions