EMG testing causing my sciatic pain

Posted by ga29 @ga29, Aug 21 6:50pm

Can someone give any advice on reaction to an EMG test?
I have been trying to find relief from my neck pain for the last few months. My MRI shows damage along C4-C5-C6-C7, of varying degrees, mostly on right side. Stenosis, flattening of cord, mild Modic changes, a lot of other words I don’t understand.
But my main concern is a strong shock like pain on my left side when moving my head. So I requested an emg at doctor’s suggestion.
I had a bad day after the test, with sciatica down my left hip and leg.
It’s continuing today to a lesser degree.
Or would my long drive home be a more likely cause? Crash on interstate made my drive home a couple hours.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

windyshores | @windyshores | Aug 21 8:29pm

I don't react well to EMG testing. Do you have a tendency for pain sensations to spread? Interesting that it was your legs and hip assuming testing was on arms. Or was it elsewhere? Neck nerves could affect legs in my experience.

ga29 | @ga29 | Aug 22 6:11am

Thank you for your reply. Yes I think my pain has tended to spread out from my neck pain down my arms, whenever I attempt to be more active especially. My lower back, as I’ve had two lumbar fusion surgeries, the left leg pain disappeared after but upon activities it rears its head.
I think I’ve read that the cervical spine can cause pain in the legs.
I thought the emg tests would help pinpoint which area of the neck was causing this terrible left side pain. It only says there is no ridiculopathy .