I had an emg done on both legs and feet about a month ago. It wasnt that bad really. I had a great doctor that talked to me about all kinds of stuff and let me know when he was going to give me the shock. Its sort of like, that hit in the shin they do to check your reflex's. It doesnt feel good, but the pain is gone immediately so its not that bad. The only part I really didnt like was the needles in my feet. When he stuck my foot it did hurt really bad, but I have a rare form of psoriasis on my feet and hands so Im far more sensitive and he didnt do the other foot due to the one hurting. But after it was done and I walked out of the office I couldnt tell I had anything done to me at all so its a no sweat thing.

Hi don1956, I have to say I have had 2 EMG's and yes there is some mild discomfort, but I cannot say it was painful compared to our daily chronic pain, and yes they tested around my neck area, but I would do anything to get better! I had a 3 level ACDF C4-C7 in 2009 and still experience radiculopathy in both arms down to my hands, severe constant headaches, and due to the EMG results, I was then sent for another MRI and then to a vascular surgeon, I now know I have increased disc herniation at C3/4 with indentation of the thecal sac and mild flattening of the spinal cord, moderate forminal narrowing due to ostoephytes at C4/5, C5/6 and C6/7 and recently diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. So Don1956 don't be fearful of tests and don't allow others to put fear in taking tests as the EMG will be smooth sailing
Bunz50

"bunz&Married"thanks folks.yeah that "EMG"test was nothingit was much easier than a "rootcanal" my doctor is sending me to see this neck specialist,a surgeon next week.obviously to disscus my options and i bet he wants to take another "MRI".i tried telling my doctor that i didnt feel well and that my neck and all the way down to my fingers hurt bet they belive me now!!

I just found out that the EMG is NOT a very reliable test anyway. My neurosurgeon told me this. Well, if they aren't very reliable, why are they doing them??? Weird!

They have a 30-40% false negative rate, meaning that it will miss positive findings (or what should be) by the same.

On the other hand, the 60-70% chance that it will contribute to the diagnosis is very valuable. If you have a positive EMG, that is significant. If you have a negative EMG, you either don't have a problem or there is a 30-40% chance that the EMG missed finding your "positive" problem. It is still a necessary test to do!

If you have very strong clinical findings and the EMG is negative, very often it is repeated.

I think positive EMGs are rare but when you have a positive EMG, there's no denying there is a nerve problem. The only question may be in interpretation of the exam.

My first EMG was positive showing a problem. By testing various nerves, they were able to pinpoint the problem to my brachial plexus rather than the neck, elbow or wrist. The doctor even spent extra time documenting the exam because it is rare to have a positive diagnosis for TOS using an EMG. Even though the exam upset the nerves, I was happy that someone finally believed me. The exams are worth the temporary discomfort.

first hello"Sheri" and you are right about "Finally believe me".for 2yrs after my surgery pain is still in my neck down to my fingers.when my doctor got back the results,he had his nurse do the explaining he was not thereanyway there now sending me to a neck specialist(surgeon).Its the c5&6pinching my nerve

hello again bunz50 and sheri.its been a while .but the update .well they discover i have like you "bunz50"c-4thru c7 along with the "fibro"in my shoulder.now no more trying to convince anyone now.i get nerve blocks in all 4disc's and i get pain pills(gabapentin300mg) that i take 3times aday.now i got approve for "SSDI"(thank you jesus)and also to you all here

Hello don1956, congrats on winning your SSDI! I know it does not help ease your pain but does help with the stress of finances, as well I hope you are getting some relief with the pain meds, again congrats!
Bunz

Hi Don, glad to find you on neuro talk. Sorry your neck is so bad. Make sure you get two opinions before you opt for surgery. I e-mailed to you also. I know you are in pain, and I hope there is a resolution, so that you can have more quality of life. ginnie