Back From The Doctor

[Bummer Knees]

I saw my doctor (Osteopath) this morning, a followup on my low back and neck.

He said I am making progress on my neck and feels I need to stay in physical therapy.

In two weeks if I am still having pain in my arm and numbness in my 3rd & 4th finger then he will order a nerve conduct test.

I am not familar with this type of test and if anyone would have any information to share I would appreciate it.

My doctor wrote a script for neurotin (I knew he would) and told me to start it. I've already decided to but wanted to talk to this doctor first. He did say I need physical therapy for my low back but we are going to wait for it to be included in my work comp claim.

Physical therapy will cost me $225.00 out of pocket per session if I run it through my health insurance.

My blood pressure is still high and it will be next on the list to be addressed.

Bummer Knees

[halftrak]

Bummer, If I am not mistaken a nerve conduction test is where they put probes like electrodes all up and down your arms could also be in the neck and shoulders and you get a little shock, I beleive it is to check for pinched nerves, carpal tunnell, etc.I've had 2 done over the last few years.Hope this is right.I'll try to find my reports when I had mine done and see if it is the same thing.halftrak

[Pooh]

half you got it right - it's an emg/ncs that we all refer to.

Bummer make sure that they check the parisnipal (spelling)nerves as well (neck area) some will say they do but never actually stick you in that area.

What they should be testing is to see if they can find where the nerve is being pinched at since a nerve can be damaged at any place along it's path.

[sweet tooth]

that blood pressure needs to be took care of NOW girl love ya sweets

[Bummer Knees]

Thanks sweet tooth

My normal BP is 110/80 and it has been running 159/96 to 130/92.

Doctor says it is due to an increase in pain. Guess this is why he wants me on pain meds.

Thanks halftrak and Pooh

The pain in the arm and numbness is new since the auto accident. After 2 weeks of physical therapy my strength was still a 3 and my grip a 9. Can't open jars and even having trouble turning door knobs.

I am going to google for some information and see what I findout.

[AQA]

I have nothing more to add. The tests have already been explained.
I do have one issue. The therapy of the neck. I would want the test done before the therapy. My concern being that the therapy may cause more damage. That is just my thoughts. I wish you well.

[bethsha211]

The emg is where they put a needle into a muscle and check to see how quickly muscle and nerve react to what they do. NCV -nerve conduction velocity is where they shock you at different levels voltage to see how fast you respond. I have had them in May and I am suppose to get them done again because of the pain I am now having in my "good" hand and the pain that has gotten worse in my injured hand.Not much fun,but the only thing that I know of that can show carpal tunnel,nerve trauma,etc. They know immediately by looking at the screen whether you have a problem.

[bethsha211]

One other thing,if you have the tests,don't drink caffeine or take muscle relaxers the day of the test.They didn't tell me that,but I found info on website that test could come out wrong if you do.

[Bummer Knees]

Thanks bethsha211

Having the name of the test I as able to research information on the web.

I like to know what to expect before having a test.

AQA

My therapy was stopped by my primary doctor due to regression. I believe this is why the doctor is wanting this test done.

The ortho I saw for a 2nd opinion says I need 4 more weeks of physical therapy. (This was before the 2nd PT eval)