When the herniated disk bulges out toward the spinal canal, it puts pressure on the sensitive nerve root, causing pain and weakness in the area the nerve supplies.Ī herniated disk often occurs with lifting, pulling, bending, or twisting movements. If the disk is very worn or injured, the nucleus may squeeze all the way through. A disk herniates when its jelly-like center (nucleus) pushes against its outer ring (annulus). It is not known why some patients develop symptoms and others do not. In fact, nearly half of all people middle-aged and older have worn disks and pinched nerves that do not cause painful symptoms.
These changes are normal and they occur in everyone. They may also narrow the foramen-the small openings on each side of the spinal column where the nerve roots exit-and pinch the nerve root.ĭegenerative changes in the disks are often called arthritis or spondylosis. These bone spurs contribute to the stiffening of the spine. The body responds to the collapsed disk by forming more bone -called bone spurs-around the disk to strengthen it. This problem causes settling, or collapse, of the disk spaces and loss of disk space height.Īs the disks lose height, the vertebrae move closer together. They also lose water content, begin to dry out, and become stiffer. As the disks in the spine age, they lose height and begin to bulge. The patient's expectations regarding the test did influence anxiety levels and this may reflect generalized anxiety regarding testing procedures or misinformation regarding the nature of the test, as patients in general reported a better than anticipated experience following the test.Degenerative changes. The information about EMG testing received by patients in this group did not affect pre-test anxiety levels. The degree or source of knowledge regarding the test procedure, did not affect the pre-test anxiety level.
The likelihood of high anxiety was increased if the patient was worried about the test (p < 0.001) or about other issues unrelated to the test or underlying diagnosis (p < 0.001), or was taking an anti-psychotic or anxiolytic drug (p = 0.008). Thirty-five (44%) patients had a high pre-test anxiety level. Seventy-nine cases with ages ranging from 19-72 years (mean 43) were included. Emergency, hospitalized, and seriously ill patients were excluded. We evaluated anxiety levels of patients referred for EMG to explore the possible correlating and contributing factors to high anxiety.Ī structured questionnaire, including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was completed by patients immediately before EMG testing. We frequently encounter patients who worry about its painful nature, but tolerate it very well. Electromyography (EMG) is a useful test, but unfortunately also painful.
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