Surface Electromyography and Paraspinal Surface Electromyography to Evaluate and Monitor Back Pain

Surface electromyography (SEMG), including paraspinal SEMG, is described for evaluating and monitoring back pain in patients with acute or chronic low back pain, pre‑ and post‑operative assessment, therapy monitoring, and to help distinguish muscle, joint, or disc-related causes of pain. However, SEMG is considered experimental, investigational and not covered for diagnosing or monitoring back pain (needle EMG CPT codes 95860–95872 must not be used for SEMG), and imaging/diagnostic testing is generally reserved for red-flag conditions or LBP persisting beyond 4–6 weeks because SEMG’s clinical validity and diagnostic performance are not established.

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