MRI'S and EMG'S

[jimtim]

if an MRI does not show disc hitting nerve, is an EMG another alternative to finding nerve damage and showing there is a problem. My nerve damage is in c5 and c6 and has messed up 4 muscles in left arm, but my workmans comp doctor said that means nothing. Doctor says that EMG's do not mean anything. also why is it a disc bulge and a herniated disc means the same thing but they tell you that you have a disc bulge and nothing is herniated, this part is L1 through L5. This is pushing into the thecal sac. Can someone answer my question please. P.S. I have been on workmans comp for 5 months and all they have done for me is burn nerves in my neck and two sessions of therapy for the neck only not my back. I have all problems from neck going down to arms and from back into legs.        

[giveitback]

Yeah Boy,

Have the EMG, the MRI doesn't always show a pinched nerve. EMG will not only detect a pinch nerve, it will show its EXACT location. Also, the severity of the compression and whether or not you have nerve damage (neuropathy).

Sorry you have to deal with the b.s. from W/C on top of your pain and discomfort.

Good Luck to you!

[chadry]

Emg does show nerve problems.W.C. is a joke. They are there to get you to work thats all.I have been dealing with them since 05. Did they tell you that are MMI yet. I could barely walk a few times and I was always sent back to work.There is nothing else they can do live with it. That's what I was told. Hope you have a lawyer. Are you part of a union if so contact then about a lawyer.I am now going for my evaluations for my lawsuit. I seen 2 docs from our side now I start their docs. One on Tuesday. This is for my permanancy award for my back and neck. I also have herniated/bulging discs in my neck and have problems with my left arm.I had an emg done on my legs and I think they thought they were going to nothing but they were wrong. I have nerve problems from the L4-5 area. They tried to tell me they didn't think the MRI was right so they ordered the emg. They never ordered one for my arms because I know they would have found something there.They already know from my reflexes in my left arm. Good luck and fill me in about your condition and how you are making out.
Chadry