Yes I have had several. The electrical conduction part isn't so bad...but the needle portion is very uncomfortable. They put a needle in your muscles and have you contract the muscle while the needle is still in. That hurts. But, it goes away after a couple hours.

I had an EMG recently and it was not bad at all. I was very "scared" of the pain that might be involved as I had heard horror stories. Yes they do place leads on different parts of your arm and hand. They do send a current from one lead to another in order to establish that amount of time it takes to get from one to another. I was told that if you go to someone who is qualified and trained it wouldn't be painful. They were accurate. I did feel some discomfort, but nothing like the pain I was having from the pinched and herniated nerves in my neck. Definitely check with the doctor to make sure he is well trained and has up to date equipment. Good luck

Before they discovered my pinched nerves were a result of degenerative disc disease in my neck, they assumed I had carpel tunnel and a pinched ulnar nerve. I've had 2 separate EMG's, considering how bad the pain is the test is pretty easy in comparison. It's a bit scary with the needle part, but I'm a complete suck when it comes to needles and I did fine. It stings a bit but it really doesn't last too long. I found the electric pulses can 'bite' a bit.

Good luck! It's not that bad in comparison to other things I've had to endure with all this! You will do just fine.

thanks you all so very,very much for your input

Dear Don, I had a different location for the last post to you, maybe under the disabilitySSI post for today. Had to do with the EMG you have to do. Some times I loose track of the posts. In any case I wish you all the best in which ever direction you choose and I hope your results will help you.ginnie

hi "ginnie" and all.just got done with my "EMG"its wasnt all that badi didnt mind the needles and pins(sound like a song)anyway he was conversing with a intern who was there.they kept talking about and "C5&6"they didnt tell me what all that meansany one here knows

Hi Don,

c5 & 6 (or c5 & c6) are the fifth and sixth (of seven) cervical (neck) vertebrae. They were most likely talking about the disc between c5 & c6. Here's one diagram:

http://www.highlandchiro.com/images/spinal_chart.jpg

Doc

Hey,thanks "Dr.Smith" ...now all i need to know from my Dr.(not Dr.smith)is what is next....i'll let you all know friday

Hi, I've had 2 EMG's done because of the same pain you are having, yes the test is kinda of painful but not as painful as the pain we currently have, after the first test I was diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel. Then after complaining about radiating pain down the right side of my neck to my fingers, with numbness which included my toes. My Neuro requested another one for the right side and then I was told I have a old chronic right
C5 radiculopathy.
The only painful part of the test is the needle sticks (If need) which goes way soon after, but as I said, considering the pain you have now, this test is a minor.

well all done and the test went well.its not that hard or painful(IMHO)any way they did find something wrong with the disc's in my neck so next thursday im going to see the neck surgeon