Tim, welcome to the confusing world of RSD.

My neurologist last fall gave me an EMG in both arms as I complained of a burning right shoulder (pre-RSD dx). I also had lower right burning back pain but he said that an EMG couldn't be done in the back for some reason (too many nerves?). The electrical part of the EMG didn't bother me - all I said was 'don't taze me bro!' and finally got a smile out of this guy. The needles didn't bother me either. Results were normal.

I've been seeing a pain manager for a few months and they diagnosed me with RSD lower and upper extremity after sympathetic blocks helped a little. Recently I asked my pain manager if I really had RSD and she replied that RSD is a diagnosis of eliminating other things. She suggested an EMG. After reading the results of my previous EMG she said that the normal results were further evidence that I DO have it.

I agree with Neoplasm, a very unsatisfying diagnosis.

I have pain but do not have it anywhere near what some of you experience.