EMG Nerve Testing for Neurological and Musculoskeletal Conditions with Dr. Brian-Lamar Brice

Electrodiagnostic testing plays a crucial role in identifying the root causes of nerve and muscle symptoms—without surgery. At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we are proud to welcome Dr. Brian‑Lamar Brice, a board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) specialist whose clinical expertise is focused on electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS). 

With a dedication to accurate, stress-free diagnostics, Dr. Brice helps patients understand the root of their symptoms and craft effective non-surgical treatment pathways to healing.

What Is EMG Nerve Testing?

An electromyography test measures the electrical activity of your muscles during rest and contraction. Essentially, this test can detect abnormalities in how nerves stimulate your muscles, offering clues about conditions affecting the nerves or the muscles.

Nerve conduction studies, on the other hand, evaluate how quickly and effectively electrical signals travel through your peripheral nerves. Often performed first, this test helps pinpoint where a nerve may be compressed or damaged.

These two tests are frequently performed together to provide a comprehensive view of neuromuscular health. This is because the combination of data allows for a more accurate diagnosis and helps our team determine the most appropriate non-surgical treatment plan for you.

Conditions Commonly Diagnosed With NCS or EMG Testing

EMG and NCS are essential diagnostic tools for a variety of common neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. Specifically, Dr. Brice commonly evaluates patients experiencing:

• Radiculopathy: Nerve root compression, often due to a herniated disc in the neck or lower back.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve at the wrist.
• Focal Entrapment Neuropathies: Occurs when a single nerve becomes compressed or irritated, resulting in numbness, tingling, or weakness in a specific distribution. 
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage that’s often related to diabetes or other systemic conditions.
• Lumbar and Brachial Plexopathy: Complex nerve injuries that affect the limb's nerve network. 
• Muscle Disorders: Including myopathies, which affect how muscles function.

Unlike conventional providers, we believe that identifying the exact cause of your symptoms, like numbness, weakness, or radiating pain, is the first step toward achieving meaningful relief.

What to Expect During Your EMG/NCS Visit

When you visit Desert Spine and Sports Physicians for an EMG or NCS test, we strive to make your experience as efficient, informative, and comfortable as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

• Nerve Conduction Study: Dr. Brice will place small surface electrodes on your skin to stimulate the nerve and measure its response. You may feel a quick pulse or some mild discomfort during stimulation.
• EMG: A fine, sterile needle is inserted into selected muscles to record electrical activity. It may cause brief discomfort, but it’s generally well-tolerated.

Most EMG or NCS tests take between 30 and 60 minutes, and without any downtime or post-procedure recovery required. In fact, patients are encouraged to return to normal activity following testing.

How Dr. Brice Personalizes Your Evaluation

Every NCS or EMG test is conducted personally by Dr. Brice, not a technician, to ensure precision, professionalism, and accurate interpretation. He delivers test results quickly, often within 24–48 hours, and works directly with referring physicians to integrate findings into broader care plans.

Like all our providers, Dr. Brice brings a patient-centered approach to every electrodiagnostic evaluation, and his goal is to clarify complex symptoms and provide referring providers with actionable insights.

How Tests for Nerve Pain Inform Treatment

The insights gained from EMG and NCS tests are critical for formulating targeted treatment strategies. Dr. Brice uses test results to guide interventions such as:

• Customized physical therapy plans that address nerve or muscle-related weakness
• Fluoroscopic- or ultrasound-guided injections to treat underlying nerve or spinal issues
• Precision regenerative therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for nerve root-related pain like radiculopathy or other nerve pathologies

Our treatment philosophy at Desert Spine & Sports Physicians emphasizes restoring function, reducing pain, and empowering each patient to live a more active, fulfilling life without surgery.

When You Should Talk to a Specialist

You should consider scheduling an EMG or NCS test if you’re experiencing any of the following:

• Persistent numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness
• Radiating pain down your arm or leg
• Muscle weakness or  atrophy
• Pain that hasn’t responded to physical therapy or other conservative treatments

Early diagnosis is key to avoiding long-term nerve damage and to developing an effective, non-surgical recovery plan.

Schedule Your EMG or NCS Test With Dr. Brice Today

If you're struggling with unexplained nerve or muscle symptoms, Dr. Brian‑Lamar Brice offers expert, timely electrodiagnostic testing at our Gilbert, Arizona, and Mesa locations. If you’re ready to take the next step, don’t hesitate to request an appointment with Dr. Brice today.