In order to capture the signals, needle electrodes will be inserted into your muscles. Your motor neurons produce signals that cause muscle contractions with electrical stimulation, and the EMG machine captures these signals and translates them into data, such as graphs and numerical values, to be interpreted later on. It provides information about the overall health of your muscles and nerves and shows how well they function. While electromyography can be uncomfortable, the data received from the test can be very useful to the doctor in helping you find a long-term solution to the pain or condition that predicated the test.įor more information on Electromyography (EMG) and how they are performed, call Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center today at (404) 256-2633.An EMG or electromyography is a diagnostic tool used to detect conditions and disorders affecting nerves and muscles. This is normal and generally lasts 1-2 days.

Discomfort after the procedureĪfter the EMG is complete, you may experience some muscle soreness at the insertion point(s). He/she may give you instructions to relax or contract certain muscles, not only to measure the electrical activity, but also to help minimize the pain. Managing the discomfortĭuring the procedure, it’s important to communicate with the doctor if the pain becomes more intense or feels overwhelming. Depending on the muscle and extent of testing, the neurologist may need to perform several insertions over a period of time. The neurologist only performs one insertion at a time, and you receive advance warning and guidance for minimizing the discomfort while it’s happening. While there is little or no sensation involved with the detecting of electrical activity, the insertion of the needle itself into the muscle may cause discomfort - but generally not more so than if you were receiving a shot or giving blood. If you’re facing this procedure, let’s remove some of the apprehension by explaining what happens. However, it is not a procedure to be dreaded.

In a word, yes, you can expect some discomfort. This is one of the most common questions that patients ask when they’re preparing to undergo an electromyography. The doctor can then look for abnormalities, such as pinched nerves, nerve damage, herniated discs, ALS and other conditions. An EMG measures these impulses through a needle, which acts as an electrode, injected into the muscle tissue. Muscles contract when nerve cells (called motor neurons) send a small electrical impulse into them.

Electromyography (EMG) is a test that measures and graphs the electrical activity in your muscles as they move.

How painful are emg tests