In the United States, neck pain, back pain, and nerve irritation are extremely common. Frequently it doesn’t require anything more than observation, but if symptoms persist for more than four weeks or get worse, you should consult a physician.

Do not wait for your symptoms to become intolerable or permanently disabling. Consult your doctor and get relief.

Available Diagnostic Studies:
 Bone scan:
A bone scan creates a picture of the metabolism (turnover) of the bones. The picture is then reviewed to determine if any change has occurred in the bone metabolism. A bone scan is useful for diagnosing: bone cancer, bone infections, fractures, bone pain, bone disorders, i.e. arthritis, and the spread of other cancers.

CT scan:
A CT Scan uses an X-ray sensing unit that circles the body and creates image slices of the inside of the body. A computer pieces together these images to produce three-dimensional images of your body. A CT scan is useful for: Identifying bone disorders, i.e. osteoporosis, revealing the location of a tumor or infection, finding internal injuries or bleeding, monitoring the progress of a disease, and guiding surgeries.

Discography:
Discography is a procedure used to help evaluate/confirm where a patient's back pain is coming from. Its commonly used before surgery to confirm the exact location of the pain source.

DEXA scan:
DEXA stands for “Dual Energy X-ray Absorptimetry” scan. It’s used to measure the density of the bones and to identify the risk of broken bones due to osteoporosis. The scan is most often used to measure the density of the bones of the hip or spine.

EMG:
The EMG measures the electrical impulses of the muscles to determine how well the nerves and muscles communicate. The EMG is useful to diagnosis damage in muscle tissue and nerves, plus the cause of weakness, paralysis, involuntary muscle twitching or other symptoms.

MRI:
A MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of your head and body. These detailed images help identify and diagnose a wide range of conditions including: disorders of the central nervous system, i.e. multiple sclerosis, brain and spinal tumors, diseases of the pituitary gland, eye or inner ear tissue abnormalities, bone and joint damage and infections of the bones and joints.

Nerve conduction study:
The nerve conduction study stimulates specific nerves and records their ability to send the impulse to the muscle. The study can show where there is a blockage of the nerve pathway. It’s used to help diagnose nerve disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and the location of numbness, tingling or pain.

SSEP
SSEP, somatosensory evoked potentials, evaluate the nerve pathway from the arms and legs through the spinal cord to the brain. It is used to identify spinal cord injuries, neuromuscular diseases and to monitor patients during surgery.

X-rays
An X-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation where a painless electromagnetic beam is aimed through your body to a piece of film. The beam produces an image of your bones on the film which can help diagnose bone chips, dislocates and fractures, joint or spine injuries, bone infections and other defects in the bones or joints.

For more details on the University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center Spine and Pain Management Center or to schedule an appointment please call 440-285-7757.