[Logan17]

The doctor said that they hurt and is thinking about giving me one. Whats it like and does it hurt

[ginnie]

The EMG can go either way. My housemate just had one and it didn't hurt. I also went with a friend, and he yelled. I don't know why it hurts one person and not another. Maybe it has to do with the severity of the issue they are trying to DX. In my own case, I declined the invitation to do the test. I was already in enough pain, and I didn't need a DX to tell me where I was hurting. For the doctor, he didn't believe me when I told him how much I hurt. I wound up going to a different neurologist, and he didn't think the test was needed. I tend to turn down needles if I can! I wish you all the best no matter what you decide to do. ginnie

[Jomar]

They hurt for some people more than others , and maybe it is the person doing the test that makes a difference too.

I had one for my repetitive strain issues and it wasn't so bad. It stops hurting soon after the test is done.

But if you are having pain & symptoms in your hands/arms it might be a good thing to do the tests, it helps the dr to rule in or out other conditions.

[Logan17]

Well i have neck pain that goes into the arm and my mri shows nothing so i was wondering how bad it hurt and how it is performed

[Jomar]

Easier to google for videos of how they are done than type it out -

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=EMG%2FNCV

If nothing is conclusive from the test, then I suggest you explore our thoracic outlet syndrome forum..it rarely shows up on any testing like EMG/NCV or MRIs..

I bumped up & replied on your main thread that has more info-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...61#post1009161

[ginnie]

Honest, my housemate had it done this past monday in his arms. He said it didn't hurt at all. There are a bunch of needles, and he said that was the only part uncomfortable. In his case they did the needles two at a time, up and down his arm, not all at once. ginnie

[Logan17]

Thnx all for the info. It dont fill like tos or sound like it but that is the only thing i guess it could be since my mri said their is nothing they see other than problems when im 30 maybe

[Hopeless]

Personally, I would rather have another NCS/EMG than be shocked by my car when the weather is cold, or touching an electrical appliance after walking on carpet.

I was very worried about my first NCS and was very surprised it was NOT painful. My second one was with a different doc and was "stronger and longer" but still I would not classify it as painful. The EMG was even easier except for ONE muscle stick which was very deep in my inner thigh. The needle didn't hurt but the amount of PUSH and force used by the doc was what caused some discomfort. Yes, discomfort, still not PAINFUL.

Everyone is different. I am not afraid of needles so maybe that was a big help for me. Also, the person using the needle has a lot to do with it. I have had blood draws that I could not feel with a really good phlebotomist and a bad phlebotomist can bring tears to my eyes.

If you do need one, I would not worry about it. Sometimes the apprehension is much worse than the procedure. Knowing exactly what to expect has always been a big help to me for any procedure.

[Logan17]

Thnx all for the help and info i hope pt works but when i rest it dont help soi doubt it i just hope if doesnt make it worse

[Jomar]

Just talk with the PT person a lot and share what helps or makes worse - and if anything really hurts tell them.. If they don't listen or make adjustments to the therapy then go find another PT place/therapist.