Hi Pixel22,

Like Kitt said, an NCS/EMG is different for different people. Personally, I did not find it "painful" but there are some moments of some minor discomfort. The best way I can describe the NCS is sort of like when you touch something in winter time and get that little static electricity zap. Not necessarily "fun" but for me, I would not term it as "painful". Well, maybe a little bit when they do the sustained repeated zaps at the same site. The EMG test was actually much easier for me than the NCS. There was only ONE needle insertion that "hurt". It was for a deep muscle and the doc was having trouble getting the needle placed in the right spot. All the other needles were completely painless. I did find a little bit of difference when performed by a different doctor, (I have had the testing done several times by different docs) but not much so I guess it may vary by whom is performing the test.

I was very apprehensive before the first time as I really did not know what to expect. I had heard some horror stories and had read some things on the internet. I was very surprised that it was nothing like I had feared. If my fears had been realized, I would not have had any of the subsequent testing done.

Keep in mind that was MY experiences. Not everyone has the same experience and there are many factors that may account for differences in opinions on how unpleasant or painful the test may be for each individual. Some people may have conditions that would make the test more painful than it is for another with a different condition. Maybe I was just lucky or maybe I just had really good neuros performing the testing. I always had a neuro doing the testing, never a technician. In fact, until I read some things online, I did not know anyone other than a neuro performed these tests. That could be a factor, too.

Bottom line, don't get too worked up about it. The unknown is the really scary part. It may be a cake walk for you or you could find it a bit painful but until you experience it, no one can tell you exactly how YOU will feel. As I said, I did not find it bad at all. I have had other procedures that were much worse.