Diagnostic Testing in Marietta, GA

Diagnostic tests are used to assess injuries or conditions so your doctor can effectively evaluate you and determine the best course of treatment for your chronic pain, internal injury and spinal issues. Your test results, combined with your own description of your symptoms, and accounts of any injuries you suffered and your medical history, will help our team determine the root cause of your pain.

Diagnostic tests help us:

Provide a specific diagnosis for the cause of your pain
Eliminate other potential ailments or injuries that may be presenting with similar symptoms
Determine the best course of treatment
Create a fuller picture of internal injuries

Common Diagnostic Tests

You may need to undergo multiple diagnostic tests to determine the root cause of your pain or discomfort. These tests will guide our orthopaedists in recommending a treatment program for a positive outcome in your recovery.

Common diagnostic tests include:

X-Rays

X-rays use electromagnetic waves to create high-quality imaging of the inside of your body. They are a type of radiation best used to photograph hard, dense tissues like bones.

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CT Scan

CT scans or computerized tomography integrate several X-ray images to create more detailed cross-sections. It is a simple non-invasive procedure that enables medical professionals to obtain diagnostic information on the brain, chest, abdomen, pelvis, spine and extremities.

Myelogram

Myelograms use a contrast dye to identify issues in the spinal canal. The contrast dye allows the radiologist to see spinal structures and surrounding ligaments and is injected into the spine.

See Example

MRI

MRIs, or magnetic resonance imaging, create images of your body using radio waves and a large magnet. MRI may also utilize a contrast material to help identify inflammation, growths or blood supply to certain areas of the body.

See Example

EMG / Nerve Conduction Study

EMGs (electromyography) are used to assess nerves and any injuries relating to them, like carpal tunnel or other nerve damage. They measure electrical activity within the nerve to identify any abnormalities.

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Discography

Discography diagnostic tests are intended to determine if any disc in your back is causing pain. With discography, radiologists can identify abnormal or diseased discs.

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At Non-Surgical Orthopaedics, our orthopaedists and pain specialists are well-versed in each of these diagnostic tests. The goal is to learn everything we can about your condition, injury or spinal state so that we can develop a targeted approach to your recovery.

Diagnostic tests also help us eliminate the potential of other ailments that may be presenting with similar symptoms. With the right testing procedure, we can pinpoint what’s most likely causing your pain and identify the most effective route toward recovery.

Preparing for Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic tests may require preparation to ensure that the imaging results are accurate and clear. Our orthopaedic specialists will inform you of any specific requirements for diagnostic testing.

Common preparation requests for different diagnostic tests include:

Abstaining from food, stimulants or beverages
Consuming doctor-supplied contrast beverages
Wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing
Abstaining from applying lotions or creams to your skin
Avoiding clothes or jewelry with metal in them

You should also be prepared to share any condition you may have that could affect diagnostic testing. For example, most imaging technology is not appropriate for those who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant, so alternative testing would be suggested. Additionally, inform your physician about any medications you are taking or any implant devices that contain metal that could affect the accuracy of your results.