EMG test results

[JMar63]

I went to the neurologist last week to have the EGM and NCS done.
NCS : Normal, and the
EMG: Chronic neuropathic motor units.  
IMPRESSION: This is an abnormal study. There is electrophysiologic evidence of chronic non-progressive multilevel (mostly L5) lumbrosacral radiculopathy.

I have no idea what this all means.   The only thing he told me about this test was that the results showed that I have chronic nerve damage and there was nothing to be done surgically.

Any idea as to what this mean??? I am so lost right now!

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

The word “chronic” refers to the long duration of the problem. (acute on the contrary means short term). The degenerative disk disease may be slowly progressive, but the nerve compression is "chronically" stable.

I hope you get the needed help from the pain management doctor and the neurosurgeon.

Regards

[JMar63]

I have gone to the pain management doctor. I also have been referred by my PCP to a Neurosurgeon. I go see him on April 15th. The pain management doctor says that I have multiple issues, but he believes that I can get some relief with the herniated disk by probably getting the spinal fusion done. Also, I found out from him that my Arthritis is a MAJOR factor in this also. I will know more once I see the Neurosurgeon. At least I feel more knowledgable about what is going on.

[JMar63]

I still do not understand what exactly this means. And I don't understand how all the results of all of these tests is going to impact me and my life. Maybe I don't know exactly what CHRONIC means.  
I was born with mild scoiliosis. I never had any problems when younger. All my back problems started about 25 years ago.
This is my background:  Mild scolisos (since birth/never any effects felt), arthritis and level 2 osteoporosis diagnosed 2 yrs ago, and now herniated disk, spinal stenosis, degenerative disk disease and now the chronic nerve damage.
What usually happens to people with all of this in their lower back. Is there on set name for what I have? No one seems to have any answers to this question. Could you please give me some kind of idea what happens?? I can only find info on each component, but not all of these together?
I do appreciate any help you can provide.

Thanks,
Jeannie

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello again.

The EMG test suggests and confirms the nerve root compression due to the herniated disc. I remember from your earlier post that there is a spinal canal stenosis, which means the spinal cord is getting compressed.

Radiculopathy means nerve root compression and the resulting neuropathy.

Regards