Living with ongoing back or neck pain can be frustrating — especially when you don’t know what’s causing it. At Cary Orthopaedics, Dr. Sameer Mathur and his team understand how important it is to find answers before moving forward with treatment. That’s where advanced spine diagnostics like MRIs, EMGs, and image-guided injections come in — helping uncover the root cause of your pain so you can finally get relief.
Every spine tells a different story. What seems like simple muscle pain might actually come from a disc issue, nerve compression, or joint inflammation. Instead of guessing, Dr. Mathur takes a detailed, science-backed approach to understanding why you’re hurting. Using the right combination of imaging and nerve studies helps create a clear picture of both the structure and function of your spine, allowing for personalized, effective care.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most valuable tools for diagnosing spine conditions. Unlike traditional X-rays, MRIs give a clear, three-dimensional look at soft tissues, discs, and nerves — revealing herniations, pinched nerves, or spinal degeneration that could be causing pain.
The test itself is simple and painless. You’ll lie comfortably as the scanner captures detailed images of your spine using magnetic fields instead of radiation. Once reviewed, these results guide your care plan, helping Dr. Mathur pinpoint exactly where your pain originates.
Sometimes, imaging alone doesn’t tell the whole story — especially when your symptoms include tingling, weakness, or numbness. That’s where Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies come in. These tests measure how well your nerves communicate with your muscles, identifying whether a specific nerve is irritated or damaged.
During an EMG, tiny electrodes record the electrical signals your muscles produce. It might feel a little odd, but it’s completely safe and provides powerful insight into how your nervous system is functioning. For Dr. Mathur, EMG results often reveal hidden nerve issues that imaging can’t, helping tailor your treatment plan with precision.

Once the underlying problem is clearer, image-guided injections can help both confirm and relieve the source of pain. These minimally invasive injections are performed under live X-ray or ultrasound guidance, ensuring medication reaches exactly where it’s needed — whether that’s around a nerve, disc, or joint.
Beyond pain relief, these injections serve a diagnostic purpose. If your symptoms improve after treatment, it confirms that the targeted area is the true source of your discomfort. This clarity allows Dr. Mathur to plan the next steps of your recovery confidently and efficiently.
Each of these tests — MRIs, EMGs, and image-guided injections — gives a different piece of the puzzle. Together, they create a full understanding of your condition:
With this combination, Dr. Mathur can create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you — one that focuses on healing, restoring movement, and improving your quality of life.

Patients across the Triangle trust Dr. Sameer Mathur for his experience, precision, and compassionate approach to spine care. He takes time to listen, explain each step clearly, and ensure patients feel supported throughout their journey. At Cary Orthopaedics, advanced diagnostics meet personalized care — helping patients find lasting relief without unnecessary surgery.
At Mathur Spine Surgery, we believe every patient deserves to live comfortably and free from pain—without the constant need for medications or major surgery. Our mission is to deliver compassionate, personalized care using the most advanced and scientifically proven techniques in interventional spine medicine. We’re dedicated to helping you regain mobility, confidence, and a better quality of life.
If back or neck pain has been holding you back, it’s time to get clear answers. At Cary Orthopaedics, Dr. Sameer Mathur combines the latest diagnostic technology with expert, patient-focused care to uncover what’s really going on and guide you toward lasting relief.
Visit www.mathurspinesurgery.com to schedule your consultation today. Together, we’ll identify the cause, develop a plan, and help you get back to living pain-free and confident in your movement.

Let's work together to find the right solution for your pain. Our board-certified doctors specialize in interventional pain treatments. Find out how we can help.