How Are Neck and Shoulder Pain Diagnosed?
• X-rays: Plain X-rays can reveal narrowing of the space between two spinal bones, arthritis-like diseases, tumors, slipped discs, narrowing of the spinal canal, fractures and instability of the spinal column. • MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging is a noninvasive procedure that can reveal the detail of neural (nerve-related) elements. • Myelography/CT scanning: Sometimes used as an alternative to MRI • Electrodiagnostic studies: Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) are sometimes used to diagnosis neck and shoulder pain, arm pain, numbness and tingling.
