I wouldnt put a whole lot of stock in the EMG really. When they did the EMG on me they wanted to see if there was nerve damage. They found plenty, and called it classic peripheral neuropathy. Then he did the needle test and said for sure I have L5 S1 compression. Classic case!

They sent me to the neurosurgeon for back surgery. The surgeon had an MRI done, and then told me that there was nothing wrong with my back. So no surgery. At this point the 2 doctors, neurosurgeon and neurologist were having it out about the different results.

Finally it was settled that it is RSD. The lack of blood to the leg for 7 days caused the nerve damage that looked like back problems on the EMG. MRI saw no problems what so ever.

So they can say after the EMG oh yes there is a pinched nerve, or whatever. But the MRI will prove it. RSD can and does act like nerve problems, even classic ones like PN.

Actually I was relieved to know it was something, cause I was really tired of the "it's all in your head" remarks.