What tests will be done to diagnose cervical radiculopathy?

What tests will be done to diagnose cervical radiculopathy?

Aside from a physical exam, healthcare providers use the following tests to diagnose cervical radiculopathy or to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms:

• Spine X-rays: X-rays of your cervical spine are the most common imaging tests for evaluating neck and upper extremity pain. Different views or angles can reveal different issues, such as disk space narrowing and foraminal narrowing (stenosis).
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed images of the inside of your body. An MRI scan is the imaging method of choice for evaluating radiculopathy. MRI allows your healthcare provider to see soft tissue abnormalities, including herniated disks and compressed nerves.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan shows structures inside of your body by using X-rays and computers to produce images. Healthcare providers typically use a CT scan for the diagnosis of traumatic injuries that result in cervical radiculopathy symptoms.
• Electromyography (EMG): An electromyography (EMG) test measures muscle response or electrical activity in response to a nerve’s stimulation of the muscle. This test can help determine if a nerve is working normally.