Vivek Kumar, DO - Orthopedics - Electrodiagnostic Medicine

Vivek Kumar, DO, is a board-certified physician with the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. He specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, known as physiatry, pain medicine, and electrodiagnosis, which uses electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing to evaluate problems of the nerves.

Dr. Kumar cares for patients with joint injuries and back pain, helping them manage their condition with minimally invasive procedures. He is an advocate for the limited use of prescription medications as he believes this approach leads to a healthier recovery.

Nonsurgical Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Kumar diagnoses and treats conditions relating to nerves of the spine, arm or legs that cause pain, numbness, tingling and/or muscle weakness. Some of these conditions include pinched nerves in the neck or back resulting from arthritis or disc problems; compressed nerves in the wrist, such as carpal tunnel syndrome; and neuropathies due to diabetes, such as numbness in the hands and feet.

In addition to nonsurgical options such as rehabilitation, EMG, NCV and prescription management, Dr. Kuman encourages his patients to stretch and strengthen daily, remain physically active, and apply ice and heat as appropriate.

Understanding EMG

Electromyography, known as EMG, is used to detect neuromuscular abnormalities or any problem related to nerves in the spine, arms and legs. EMG simply means measuring the electrical activity of the muscles. Normal muscles emit electrical signals that are a certain size, shape and sound, but muscles with damaged nerves produce very different electrical signals. By analyzing these abnormal electrical signals, Dr. Kumar is able to identify the specific site, nature and extent of nerve any damage.

Understanding NCV

Nerve conduction velocity, or NCV, measures how quickly electrical impulses travel through nerves. Certain nerve diseases cause electrical signals to be transmitted more slowly than normal. This test helps Dr. Kumar determine the site, nature and extent of any nerve damage. NCV is usually performed along with an EMG.

Dr. Kumar’s Training

Dr. Kumar earned his doctor of osteopathy degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, as well as a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences in Chicago and bachelor’s degree in investigative and medical sciences from St. Louis University in Missouri. He completed his physical medicine and rehabilitation internship and residency at East Carolina University in Greenville.

About Dr. Kumar

A native of Central Florida, Dr. Kumar quickly returned to the region after completing his postgraduate training in Greenville. He finds caring for his patients fulfilling and enjoys helping them recover to the best of their ability.

He is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American College of Physicians, and Florida Osteopathic Medical Association.