The role of electrodiagnosis in the evaluation of low back pain

Establishing a specific diagnosis is important in the effective management of individuals who present with a complaint of low back pain. Electrodiagnostic studies are an integral part of the diagnostic evaluation when the history or physical examination suggests that neural structures may contribute as symptom generators. Lumbo-sacral radiculopathies, plexopathies, and peripheral nerve injuries are of primary concern when evaluating individuals with low back pain, and electrodiagnostic studies assist in identifying and quantifying neurophysiologic injuries and abnormalities using techniques. A thorough, thoughtful, and individualized electrodiagnostic study performed by qualified physicians as an extension of a detailed history and physical examination can be an important and useful component in the proper evaluation of individuals with low back pain.