How Nerve Conduction Studies Reveal the Source of Your Chronic Pain

One problem with diagnosing chronic pain conditions is the similarity in symptoms, making it difficult to pinpoint the origin of pain. Some symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain, may also stem from various nerve conditions. 

Treating symptoms is never as effective as identifying the source of pain. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) can help doctors pinpoint problem areas where damage and nerve tissue restrictions contribute to chronic pain. 

The solution to your symptoms is our goal for every patient at Florida Pain Management Institute with locations in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, Florida. NCS provides valuable information aiding the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral nerve pain conditions. 

What are the basics of nerve conduction studies?

Nerves form the electrical pathways that deliver pain and muscle movement information between the body and brain, as well as controlling autonomic systems, functions that run automatically, without the need for conscious control. 

For this reason, NCS uses tiny electrical impulses to test suspect nerve tissue to evaluate its performance. It’s a non-invasive procedure that requires little preparation and is performed in an outpatient setting. 

NCS is often performed in conjunction with electromyography (EMG) to provide a more complete picture of how nerves and muscles function. 

What conditions can an NCS reveal?

NCS helps our physicians diagnose conditions like: 

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Nerve entrapment disorders
• Cervical or lumbar radiculopathy (pinched nerves)
• Sciatica and other compressed nerve syndromes

Some muscular and neuromuscular disorders can be diagnosed when NCS and EMG are interpreted together. 

How can NCS results help with chronic pain treatments?

NCS can distinguish between pain originating in joints, ligaments, muscles, or tendons from nerve pain, as well as identifying the location and severity of nerve dysfunction. Confirming or ruling out certain conditions, NCS prevents unnecessary invasive treatments that may fail to produce the expected results. 

The objective findings from an NCS permit accurate and individualized treatment planning, matching treatment to the right condition, reducing the need for trial-and-error investigations. 

When should I ask about a nerve conduction study? 

• Chronic pain is accompanied by symptoms like burning, numbness, tingling
• Conservative care fails to provide relief from chronic pain conditions
• Daily activities like work, self-care, and sleep are disrupted by pain
• Diagnostic imaging can’t visualize a physical problem

Accurate diagnosis is the key to effective pain relief. An NCS often provides the data needed to discover the cause of chronic nerve-related pain. 

Contact the team at Florida Pain Management Institute at the nearest of our two locations to start the NCS process. You can book with either location by calling 561-331-5050 or by clicking the Request Appointment link on this page. Plan your visit today.