I had a neurotomy done on 6/30/13 for low back pain. I went for a second opinion as we are now discussing surgery. The 2nd dr. Ordered an EMG. The 1st dr is saying the neurotomy will affect the EMG as he burned the nerves to be tested during the neurotomy. The 1st dr is saying no that is incorrect. I don't want to do an unnecessary test does anyone have any insight?

Welcome Murph,

There appears to be a typo in your post; as worded, the 1st doctor appears to be disagreeing with himself, but I think I get the gist...

I can relate to the dilemma of conflicting doctors (BT–DT ) --it's like two parents having an argument and putting their child in the middle. It's enough to make you want to lock them in a room together, duke it out, and get back to you after the dust settles....

I wish I had a definitive technical answer for you, but have been unable to find one thus far. Someone else here may have one.

I think, if it were me, I would have the EMG. You went to doctor #2 for a second opinion, and in order to formulate/give that opinion, he wants to see the results of an EMG. He (presumably) has your records, and has been informed of the details of the neurotomy. I've had EMGs in the past, and while not painless, I would agree to another if it would help a doctor help me. It's still just a test, and the risks are low. He feels it's warranted, and if I trusted him enough to seek out his opinion, I'd follow through. You are still free to disregard his 2nd opinion, and/or get a 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc.... YMMV.

Doc

Hi Murph!

Chances are they are trying to determine if your pain is from the facet joints and/or pinched motor nerves. The facet joints have medial branch nerves that lie across the joints themselves. Their sole purpose in life is to transmit pain and that's it! So ablating them doesn't do a thing to the motor nerves. I can't see where or why it would interfere with an EMG at all. So, I would go forth with the EMG. Good luck!