CT scanning
Computerised Axial Tomography or CAT scanning, also known as CT scanning, is a highly sophisticated X-ray technique which literally uses computers to take X-ray slices of parts of the body.
This technique is specifically indicated in the assessment of damage to the spinal column. It is particularly useful in assessing damage to the intervertebral discs. It also establishes whether there is pressure on the nerve structures relating to the spinal cord.
The value of such studies is at times questionable because up to one-third of patients without pain have abnormal findings with such tests.
EMG ( electromyographic testing)
Electromyograms are tests of nerve conduction to assess how well the nerve does its job. Together with physical examinations they are sometimes useful to pinpoint organic causes of pain complaints.
Such tests can be useful to find damage to nerves, muscle problems, joint inflammation, and imbalances of fluids in the body.
Many pain syndromes, however, are difficult to define and are not well described in medical textbooks. Some of these problems include the pain associated with inflammation of muscles or myofascial pain syndrome, temporo-mandibular joint or TMJ syndrome, and some of the severe pain syndromes caused by damage to the autonomic nervous system.
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