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What Does Numbness When Suffering From Degenerative Disc Disease Signify?
I have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my neck. For the last 2 weeks I have been experiencing sometimes severe numbness and tingling in my extremities. I saw a neurologist today who told me he was concerned about this recent development, and had me scheduled an EMG- but the first available is 6 weeks from now. I am concerned AND uncomfortable. This does not seem right to me. I would like to get another opinion. Not sure where to go from here. Thanks.
Tue, 20 Sep 2022
Hi,
The symptoms you have been experiencing are due to the degenerative disc disease in neck or cervical spine. Tingling and numbness in the extremities occur when the cervical nerve root is involved. EMG test determines the following:
1) To assess the nerve root involvement
2) To assess the level of the nerve involved
You don't need to worry about the test performing this test doesn't change the treatment modalities. The following are the treatment options for degenerative disc disease
1) Cervical spine stabilization by neck collars
2) Postural correction and education of various postures
3) Physiotherapy after a little decrease in pain
4) Usage of NSAIDs like ibuprofen for pain
5) Rest during acute phase
6) Only if all the above measures are unsatisfactory, epidural steroid injection is recommended
Surgical management only in severe and traumatic cases. So, please don't worry about EMG test it's non invasive and tells about nerve involvement.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
The symptoms you have been experiencing are due to the degenerative disc disease in neck or cervical spine. Tingling and numbness in the extremities occur when the cervical nerve root is involved. EMG test determines the following:
1) To assess the nerve root involvement
2) To assess the level of the nerve involved
You don't need to worry about the test performing this test doesn't change the treatment modalities. The following are the treatment options for degenerative disc disease
1) Cervical spine stabilization by neck collars
2) Postural correction and education of various postures
3) Physiotherapy after a little decrease in pain
4) Usage of NSAIDs like ibuprofen for pain
5) Rest during acute phase
6) Only if all the above measures are unsatisfactory, epidural steroid injection is recommended
Surgical management only in severe and traumatic cases. So, please don't worry about EMG test it's non invasive and tells about nerve involvement.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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