Is an EMG (electromyography) painful?

Hi @tsch, I see you joined earlier this year, but just recently started commenting. I wanted to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect and say that I am glad to have you join the conversation. If you don't mind sharing, what have you had multiple EMGs for?

((answering even though not Tsch) I've had multiple EMGs for nerve pain associated with MTCD. The first, a baseline, was the entire body, and it was tiring and painful near the end. Other times, for carpal tunnel and knee pain, which wasn't bad at all.

ANYONE PLEASE WEIGH IN - Here’s my big concern, whether I find it painful or not it will yield some type of 'results'. And then…. Does that direct the doctor towards some type of treatment or cure??? no because there isn’t one. Other than gabapentin and Lyrica which I’ve been offered twice. I’m going to a university medical department, I’ve had two appointments with the neurologist, apparently it’s idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. So why get an EMG if it’s not going to lead to any relief?
I know they are often prescribed, I did have a NCS and it only resulted in me being told my right side is more damaged, which I know because I feel more pain on that side. I am scheduled for the EMG 9/4, feeling pretty sure I will cancel unless someone gives me hope/insight here. Thank you

@wisfloj The only insight I've got is it can rule out another specific type of neuropathy such as Large Fiber Neuropathy which proves a different type of nerve fiber is affected, hence different symptoms. Also, CIDP, Chronic Inflammatory Demylenating Polyneuropathy. If you have symptoms that are unexplained or beyond Small Fiber symptoms, you might want this test. The test does NOT confirm Small Fiber so, if you are just looking to explore additional diagnosis possibilities, then you should take this test. Point blank ask your Dr. what he hope's to gain by you taking it.

In May 2020, I had a ruptured disc and severely pinched sciatic nerve affecting my lower leg and foot (from peroneal nerve branch.) Steroid injection end of June did not help much. Have improved a good amount, however, ortho doc ordered EMG to assess extent of nerve damage, if any, in mid-July. Also had multiple EMG tests in 2005 after axial nerve damaged in frozen shoulder repair surgery, but it eventually recovered 100%. The procedures were not a big deal for me, though slightly uncomfortable in part as muscles tested.

@wisfloj Hi Joanne, Like Rachel said, if you want help with diagnosis, it is a test worth doing. However, I do feel that there is very little effective treatment for neuropathy unless you are a lucky person who benefits from Gabapentin, Cymbalta, etc. So, why do it? I don't know if I would have had that test, (twice actually). knowing that I cannot find a treatment to help beyond the tree product that I take. By the way, if you want to know more about this tree product, send me a private message. It is not FDA approved, and more appropriate to discuss privately. Also, in my experience, those tests have minimal to no pain involved. The second time, the person who did it said he was using needles he would use on an infant/baby. I had no pain at all that time. Best of luck, Lori Renee

Thank you for the replies, I appreciate your time and input

What is an EMG and a NCS? Thanks so much for your understanding of my ignorance

Nerve conduction study and electromyography. You can watch them being administered on YouTube ! Fun fun
*** I just emailed my doctor asking what is the purpose of the EMG, Will the results help her in my diagnosis or treatment and what is she looking for or hoping to rule out? So based on the reply I may opt out

Good plan.