How is cervical radiculopathy/myelopathy diagnosed?
In addition to a complete history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for cervical radiculopathy/myelopathy may include the following: • x-ray – a diagnostic test which uses invisible energy beams to produce images of bones onto film. • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body; can often determine damage or disease in an intervertebral disc, vertebral body, spinal cord, nerve roots, ligaments, and muscle. • selective anesthetic injection – a needle is introduced through the skin into a specific anatomic area usually to inject a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid under radiographic guidance. • electromyogram/nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS) – a test to evaluate nerve and muscle function in the arms.
