Is an EMG (electromyography) painful?

EMG’s are not massages by any means, but I definitely wouldn’t call the test painful. It has some discomfort for a few seconds at a time during parts of the test, but for me, the EMG is no less comfortable than going to the dentist to get my biannual teeth cleaning and checkup.

I have had these tests 3x. Not painful. I have had 4 back surgeries. I was 84 when I had my last one. The 5 1/2 hour surgery took my pain away but left residuals .Dropped foot and restricted movement in my legs. The Neurosurgeon told me that the surgery would not help the Neuropathy. I've had Neuropathy for 20 years and have learned to live with it. I am 87 and happy to be living. God has been good to me. There is no cure for Neuropathy one lives with it. I am happy that I have no life threatening diseases and have outlived my family and friends. Gabapentin helps. I take 300 3x a day. What helps me most is Prayer and giving thanks to the Lord.

Hi there @mc212se32184, welcome. Thank you, I'm glad you were feeling a little better after reading my post.

I suppose there's a lesson here after reading input from various members and mentors. Pretty similar to the expression beauty is in the eye of the beholder.... pain is in the body of the beholder. Pain thresholds may vary based on different nerve or muscular conditions. No two bodies may feel things the same way. I hope your sister made out okay. What was her assessment?

a painful EMG is actually a good thing as it means you don't have sensory loss. I hardly feel them anymore...my numbness is so great. Wish for pain...that is good news.

In one of those hospital tv series there was a scene where a resident was almost hysterical in his refusal to put a patient through the supposedly brutal torture of an EMG when the patient’s prognosis was bleak anyway. What utter nonsense.

I have had three EMGs. Yes, the sensations were unpleasant, a series of mild electrical shocks, but quite tolerable. The experience was also interesting, especially the first time, to see and feel my legs twitching uncontrollably for a second or two at a time as the probes were inserted here and there.

In my opinion there is no more reason to avoid an EMG than there is to avoid a biopsy, stitches if you need them, or any other minor medical procedure.

I have had two in the last 5 years. It is odd-feeling at times. Kind of like when you have your knee hit to check reflex. Certainly not painful.

Hi Debbie,
I agree - in fact, I might take an EMG over a dental cleaning, given the choice. I found the lower limb/feet EMG in 2021 to be mildly annoying, but I was able to converse with the doctor throughout the procedure, so it was also informative and interesting.
In 2024 I had the hand/arm EMG and couldn't feel anything. Different doctor - he placed a cloth screen between my face and arm so I couldn't see what he was doing, and when he was finished and told me the test was done, I couldn't believe it! The neuropathy in my feet is way more debilitating than the carpel tunnel in my hands. Go figure!
Blessings and peace to you!
Barb