The Two Parts of
Electrodiagnostic Studies
By: Dr. Raymond Reiter

The Two Parts of Electrodiagnostic Studies
A sports medicine professional, Dr Raymond Reiter has served Atlas Spine and Interventional
Medicine as an associate physician since 2014. He concurrently practices at North Jersey
Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute. Among his responsibilities there, Dr Raymond Reiter
specializes in evaluating orthopedic injuries in athletes, performing electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies
to do so.

The Two Parts of Electrodiagnostic Studies
Also known as electromyography (EMG), EDX is a technique used to test nerve and muscle
functions. Physicians order these studies to help diagnose the cause of neck or back pains,
tingling, numbness, and loss of strength. EDX studies are commonly used in cases of muscle
diseases, peripheral nerve injuries, and radiculopathies or "pinched" nerves.

The Two Parts of Electrodiagnostic Studies
EDX studies conduct testing in two parts. Tests in the first part assess the nerves and are called
nerve conduction studies; those in the second part test the muscles, and are called EMG.

The Two Parts of Electrodiagnostic Studies
During the nerve conduction studies, sensors are placed over the nerves in the legs and arms,
which are then stimulated by small pulses of electricity . This process allows the doctor to see how
the nerves respond. The results are compared with averages to determine how the nerves are
working. In the EMG, small needles are placed in the legs, arms, and back, to make a direct
evaluation of how muscle contractions create electrical activity. The doctor uses the EMG to
evaluate muscular functions and determine whether the muscles are receiving correct signals from
the nerves. The two parts of the EDX studies are then assessed to give a comprehensive picture of
the patient’s condition.