EMG Questions - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

photonut1998 · 10-12-2005, 01:57 PM

I will be needing an EMG - after I find out if workman's comp will be covering it or not. What do they do for the EMG? All I know is they stick needles into your arm(s). How badly does it hurt? Do they numb the area they stick the needles or do anything to ease any pain? How many needles do they use? How long does the procedure last? Does the area hurt/bruise afterwards. I have a typing job - did anybody else get workman's comp to cover their treatment? Or have trouble getting insurance to cover it? I'm totally freaked out about the EMG because it sounds just awful! Anybody who's been there who could tell me about it would be great. Thanks.

notpain · 10-15-2005, 12:04 PM

I am having one on Monday. I have had accupuncture with electric stimulation, Facet Joint Blocks, Epidural, 15 IV drips, etc. Trust me on this one, the EMG will be nothing compared to 25 guage needles in your neck. My friend had one done on her hand to test for Carpal Tunnel, I talked to her yesterday because I wanted to know what to expect. There is also a posting on the Spinal Disorders boards about EMG that I posted with a good response about what to expect. She also said she paid about $600 for her test. I expect some "discomfort" bout I wouldn't worry about too much pain. At least I'm not.

Nissenson · 10-15-2005, 05:26 PM

I found my EMG tolerable (though not something I would be eager to do again). It was a fairly lengthy procedure between two sets of tests (around 45 minutes, if I remember correctly). I should add that needles don't bother me. The technician and neurologist who did the tests were very good and always prepared me for the severity of whatever was coming next, which helped. The thing is, it's the only way to get a definitive diagnosis. Without it, my orthopedist would still be treating me for a pinched nerve in my neck!

Shop · 10-20-2005, 11:43 AM

Had mine this morning. It wasn't too bad!! I expected so much worse. The first part was with the nurse with just electrical shocks!! One or two were not pleasant out of the possible 100 she did. She did warn me of the severity of the jolt before she did it though.

As I panicked for the Dr. to come in with the needles, I just wanted to leave. I thought I could sneak out the back door!! Anyhow, the nurse warned the poor guy about me being QUITE apprehensive, and he came in and handled me well. He did the needles, and guess what??

IT DIDN'T HURT!!!!!
Ha.. I was so glad I stayed for the completion of the test.

You will very slightly feel the needle go in.. it's very fast. then while it's in there, you can't even feel it anymore. I was shocked it was a big nothing!!!!

Listen I cut my leg shaving this morning and it hurt worse!!!!

Oh, most importantly, the EMG turned up very minor carpal tunnel, but more so a pinched nerve in my elbow and that is why I was getting a burning sensation in my palm and forearm.

So, don't worry about the EMG .... the thought is worse than the actual procedure. Hope this helps!!!

photonut1998 · 10-20-2005, 01:58 PM

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I'm a wuss when it comes to pain, so that' s my biggest fear. I had surgery for something unrelated to carpal/cubital tunnel 6 months ago, and that wasn't nearly as bad as I had feared (I was off pain meds in 2 days). I'm still waiting to hear back about workman's comp to see if they'll pay for it before I get it done. I wonder how much it costs? Thanks again! I'll keep everybody updated...

PS: How are they going to treat your pinched nerve? I don't have burning sensations in my hands, but they go numb at night...every night. Is the injury work related?