EMG help - Pain Management Message Board

LoveShihtzu · 05-22-2007, 12:03 PM

Hi,
I'm new to the boards and have a question.I'm going to be having a
Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Study.
I'm so worried about having this done.I'm having neck problems.I was supposed to have a disc o gram but now they are wanting to do this first.Has anyone had this procedure done and if so was it bad?Please be gentle,I'm scared to death of having this done.
Thanks,
Annie

ibake&pray · 05-22-2007, 01:23 PM

I've had it done. It's not pleasant, but it's not as bad as the discogram frm what i've heard. The doctor insert needles into the nerve paths and then connects them with wires and fires current into the needles to see if you have nerve damage. How much current he needs to use will tell him how much damage you have to each nerve area. I have long term damage on both of my legs. It's not plesant, but it certainly isn't the most terrible thing that I have ever had. I wouldn't hyperventilate over it. I probably had more pain the day after it than I had during the proceedure.

The paper work said that you might have residual discomfort the next day. Yup, I had bruising and a whole lot of pain the next day. Just make sure you take your pain meds after you have it done. You won't see the needles so don't panic about that.....you'll be ok.....

RetiredDirector · 05-22-2007, 01:50 PM

I had it done about 10 or 12 years ago, and as I remember it wasn't too bad at all. I think the needles they insert are a little bigger than what they use for acupuncture (if you've ever had that), but it really isn't that bad at all.

Don't worry over it, you'll do fine.

Fabrashamx · 05-22-2007, 02:13 PM

I have had both done, and I agree, the discogram is by far the worse. Its less fun than say, a trip to vegas, but not terrible. The discogram is pretty bad, but they do give you something for pain and nerves first.

~Fabby

ozzybug · 05-22-2007, 02:16 PM

Annie-
I have also had an EMG done, and it really was not bad at all. The needles were so thin that it was not painful for me. I found that the electrical stimulation they gave to the needles felt worse than the needles, and even that wasn't bad. In the areas of my nerve damage, I didn't even feel the electrical stimulation pulses.

Try not to worry. I know it's hard not to when they tell you any procedure will involve multiple needles, but it isn't as bad as people think. Please take care, and let us know what the results are.