Simply put, neurophysiology is a brain science that concerns itself with the study of the function of the human nervous system.

Neurophysiology is also related or connected to other sciences like neurobiology, psychology, neurology, clinical neurophysiology, cognitive science, ethology, and neuroanatomy. The neurophysiology of back pain is the study of how these various different disciplines work together when back pain occurs, and how they can be used to treat and reduce the risk of back pain.

The Neurophysiology of Chronic Low Back Pain

Neurophysiologissts studying chronic low back pain at Wayne State University are researching the role of the lumbar disc's nucleus pulposus on the sensitization of nerves and the occurrence of chronic pain. Scientists have identified the facet capsules of the joints in the spine as the source of low back pain, so they are studying ways to reduce or alleviate the pain.

Neurophysiology Testing Of Back Pain: Electromyogram

An electromyogram (EMG) tests for low back pain by monitoring the electrical muscle activity in the back. Muscle contraction is one of the causes of pain. Muscles contract because of electrical discharges of the nerves that control them. Nerve function ncan be impaired when the nerve is affected in muscle activity because of accident or injury, when the nerve may be compressed or diseased. EMGs measure all the variables in the nerve equation.

Doctors recommend EMGs for patients who have had pain for more than three or fou weeks – especially if nerve dysfunction is suspected. An EMG is recommended when patients have two or more diseases at the same time, like diabetic neuropathy coupled with a herniated disc with nerve root compression. An EMG can help the surgeon separate the damage attributable to diabetes from the damage attributable to the nerve root compression.

Spinal stenosis is another condition where neurophysiology of back pain manifests itself in an EMG. In stenosis, the bone deforms until eventually it compresses the spinal nerves. Surgery may be required in advanced cases. Surgery may be needed; however, most surgeons will wait three months and redo the tests to be surgery is necessary.

In some cases, the existence of a patient's pain is at issue. This is often the case in litigation or workers compensation claims, where the patient is entitled to collect financial benefits if he can prove he is in pain.

Scientists studying the neurophysiology of back pain caution against an intrusive EMG unless it is absolutely necessary.