My doctor has ordered an x-ray of the cervical spine and a nerve conduction study due to pain in my right arm. My right shoulder, elbow, and hand ache constantly, and I have a pins and needles sensation in my 4th and 5th fingers. I suspect it may be cubital tunnel from what I've read, but I'm not sure. Can anyone tell me what to expect from the nerve conduction study? Should I take a pain reliever or Valium? What happens next? Does anything relieve the pain? For me, all that helps is staying off the computer (not an option with my job, though I am working on setting up a more ergonomic workstation) and keeping my right arm straight. My only other medical condition is hypothyroidism, which has been controlled with Synthroid for about a year. Thanks!

Hi,

If a nerve conduction study is an EMG, they are uncomfortable but they really do not hurt that terribaly bad. They stick needles in your arms, shoulders and around your neck in the tender spots and then like put electricity through them, and see what muscles or nerves react. It might not hurt to take a valuim, I really do not think that the pain med is necessary. But again I am not sure if it it sthe same thing I have not heard a that test just an EMG. Althought I do have carpel tunnel and tendonitus in my shoulders and elbows, I have been wearing hand braces at night and it seems to have taken some of the pain in my hands away, but I feel like my wrist are weaking from them. Nothing has touched the pain in my elbows or shoulders, I take a pain med in the mornings for nerve pain but it does not help with the tendonitus, which is so painful, my PT got me some bands to wear around my elbows when I type and work but they do not help, it is hard to start the car, write or pick up a coffe cup most days. I am like you though with my job I type alot and try and have a more ergonomic workstation but it still hurts. Good luck with the test may they find some thing that will help. I go Friday to an orthopedic surgeon lets hope some thing relief for the both of us. God Bless, keep in touch, Denise