Behind The Scenes: EMG Test

[@trevorhilseth4791]

Just had an EMG done on both my arms and I wanted to write my experience for anyone who's wondering how it is. Everyone's pain tolerance is different, but for me, this was NO BIG DEAL at all. My anxiety was off the charts, and it was for nothing. So to start, they do they nerve tests -- little shocks in different locations. I asked my doctor how painful it would be, and he just shocked himself to show me it was no big deal. It really wasn't. You know the electric shock you get when you touch a metal door handle after rubbing your feet on carpet? It's less than that. That hurts more than the nerve shock in the EMG... Now, they shock you dozens of times during the EMG -- they need to do this to get good results. But seriously, it's nothing to worry about. Your fingers/hand might flinch a little bit, but the pain is so minimal. On to the muscle part -- This was what I feared the most. He started with putting the needle in my right bicep. I didn't look because I hate needles, but apparently they use acupunture-sized needles. I kid you not, I didn't even feel the needle going it. It was like a mosquito bit me -- I didn't feel it! After the needle is put in, you'll be asked to flex the muscle. No big deal also. He then put the needle in different locations and the closer it was to my hand, the more painful it got. But even the worst spot -- by my wrist -- was similar to getting a normal flu shot or blood drawn. I might even say less painful than that... Long story short -- I read horror stories. This was NOTHING compared to what I expected. I got all worked up for nothing. I hope someone can feel confident after reading my testimonial. As I type this (About 1.5 hours after my EMG) I'm getting a little bit sore, as expected. Just don't work yourself up if you're getting this. You'll be fine. Thanks!

[@strawhat_pirate924]

Thank you so much. I was literally sobbing because I get mine today at 1 and I'm so scared. This helped me a lot!

[@trevorhilseth4791]

@@strawhat_pirate924 I hope it went well for you Sarah!

[@nadjetazzouz2649]

Thank you for reassuring me, I am about to do an EMG right now and I was terrified. Thank you so so much❤❤❤

[@nadjetazzouz2649]

Nadjet from Algeria 🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿

[@meiwong6579]

I hope me too esp i am 5 months pregnant i can’t do mri 😭

[@tunedproductions9251]

“Sometimes we can get the local radio station, it’s usually country music” Doc saw the Jack Daniels shirt and went for it. Full time doctor, part time comedian

[@sumikh1763]

Mine is tomorrow and am watching diff videos and reading comments to feel better

[@Centralcoastqueenofswing1]

I had mine done yesterday and was pleasantly surprised that there was no more pain or discomfort than getting tickled and having a mosquito bite. It did show nerve compression due to scoliosis compressing my spinal nerves.

[@tiffanynelson6349]

My daughter is having hers done next week on her legs, how long did the results take?

[@ozankarakoc1778]

Hi Gina. I have scoliosis as well and I'll have the test soon. Would you mind sharing what happened after the test showed nerve compression due to scoliosis? Did you get any kind of treatment? Thank you!

[@jefftalbot8371]

I think the pain depends on what clinical exam revealed. For me the neurologist and electrophysiologist was looking for muscle and nerve disease. Nerve conduction was piece of cake for me. Now for EMG the doctor started at big toe and went from there, the entire right side of my body and every nerve root in spine, shoulder up to the base of skull. Worst experience in my life. Never do another EMG, period. Yes, I have a muscle and nerve disease. Peace

[@camillebambi6449]

What disease?

[@Irish_Spud]

Had this done today. I only had the electric shock part done. It really isn't that bad. It's more of a weird sensation than a pain. The worry was worse than the test.

[@MsJackieJack]

Had mine yesterday. The needle part was no sweat, but the shocks were pretty bad. I will not tell you not to go, though. It makes for a good story, and the test isn't extremely long. No fun though, for sure.

[@avatarxs9377]

well, I'm more terrified with what will emg discover than examination itself.

[@rocklinman]

I had mine today. My blood pressure was 150/90 just before the test due to nervousness and anxiety. It's usually normal. Basically it was an overreaction. The electric shock was uncomfortable but very tolerable. The needle portion was nothing. Barely felt it.

[@RocksBoBo]

Everyone's pain level is different. To me, the first part felt like being shocked by one of those prank shock pens from the 90s. It was stronger and I convulsed a bit, but not painful. The needle part only hurt in specific spots that were poked. It wasn't any more painful than getting a shot normally is. It's been about an hour since my test, and there is some residual soreness. Nothing that isn't manageable. It definitely wasn't as bad as the pain in my wrists get sometimes, I'll tell you that much. If it helps them make the pain go away, it's well worth it!

[@marlenediaz5461]

My husband is having this test very over due. Every comment on other sites said it was like giving birth. Thank you for sharing your story to put people at ease. Marlene

[@cynthianovoselsky3592]

I have nerve pain it's like a burning and tingling at the same time

[@anytimedutta6246]

How many times they push the needle

[@pamelamason587]

I had this done today. It’s not the most pleasant thing but it’s not unbearable either. I think mine only hurt because come to find out I have a wrist injury instead of nerve damage and it only hurt in that certain area when it was shocked. The pins felt like shots, again not painless, not unbearable. Please don’t cancel your test, they’re important you can do it!

[@akbarhossain2245]

I also did it in 2013 but my dr. Used needle which was very painful

[@N1976DL]

What are the chances a doctor could injure a nerve when doing the EMG/nerve conduction, when using the needle?? I just had an EMG/NCS about three weeks ago and I am having pain and weakness in my ankles and feet that I have never had before in my life. This is a brand new sudden onset of symptoms. I am not diabetic or prediabetic, and I never had neuropathy. Please help.

[@snowchips9596]

Just had this done, wasn't that bad. The shocks were nothing. The needle was the annoying part bc I hate needles but it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Getting blood drawn hurts more for me

[@Danny-jb6pg]

Is this like a shock when you touch your tongue to a 9 volt battery?

[@dearupsc7379]

Just got this test done & i can assure you I felt no pain at all, just slight shocks which feels like winter clothes static and too after initial shock will fell just like a tingling sensation. So don't worry at all. All d best. 👍

[@Irish_Spud]

Same here, all the worry for nothing .

[@cheritabrown4547]

Today I had my third Emg/Nerve Conduction Test. The first two test wasn't so bad, but today was something. 12 hours afterwards my body wreaks of pain everywhere I was stuck with the needle. They did give me a shot of Toradol to ease my pain before I left. I hope to never do it again.

[@elmartinez872]

it wasn’t too bad… the shocks were not bad honestly and the needles were only a small poke. what hurt most was when the needle would be moved around and my muscle would cramp occasionally but it went away rather quickly. the soreness is occurring in my leg and throbs at times but nothing unbearable:)

[@LeeHanDSOME_BoyNextDoor]

I would suggest also seeing a Rheumatologist and get some blood tests done to see if your symptoms have to do with something else.

[@andyfowler2858]

I would suggest that you do not have a bloody clue

[@ronsarchery6378]

My Neurologist had Mr following up with blood work. Three hour Glucose Test and then 27 viles of blood.

[@CharithaMaduranga-i5j]

Try crp friest

[@July24782]

I had this done today on my legs. I’m not sure why I got so anxious about it but I just didn’t like the idea of needles in my calf muscles! Happy to say that I didn’t feel them at all. No idea how this is even possible 😧. The shocks aren’t the nicest feeling but for me it felt a little bit like the sting of an elastic band hitting the skin. Not painful, just mildly uncomfortable

[@biancadaniel7190]

Did you get any pain after the test or are you ok now?

[@July24782]

@@biancadaniel7190 No pain at all. I left straight after and walked back to a train station. No after effects whatsoever

[@SheepBanks]

The needle in the thumb is very painful.

[@mariaocampo558]

I am going to cancel mine. I am not willing to have more pain than the one I already endured. Most of the videos try to show its not painful but the comments tell the opposite.

[@aarfaatahmedahmed3754]

It's nt pain full

[@rprince418]

Please don't cancel. It is NOT painful. It feels weird, but not bad weird, and it's totally worth it, because I went in to look for carpal tunnel and found out I also have a compressed nerve in my spine.

[@feyandd]

What was the outcome?? What were the steps needed to be cured

[@shanabanana1]

Omfg yes it is they did my leg and back . Still on pain the next day

[@tiffanynelson6349]

Shana Virden really? My daughter is having hers done on her legs but the doctor said it’s not painful

[@dianareamer3925]

I couldn’t finish emg in my leg. Idk how I’m gonna get through this with my hands and arms 😔😣😭

[@gailsfoodandstuff]

the dr coughing and clearing his throat towards her is not good. just saying.

[@dr.patriciagalata2489]

I appreciate that the doctor is putting patient at ease with the light hearted jokes but I don't appreciate him sneezing into his hand, touching his nose, and face. Please practice proper hygiene as a medical professional!!!

[@_hunter_hunter1048]

Does this test pinpoint the exact location of injury on the median nerve ?

[@Johnnnnnnnyyyyyy]

He had gloves on when he touched the patient.

[@Jasmine_887]

I got this done yesterday it was uncomfortable but not that bad very annoying I was very scared lol they stuck me with needles like 10 times said I have a pinched nerve waiting for full results

[@Exitstageleft-y5q]

When I had this a few years ago he stuck a needle in my hand and sent the current. Never again

[@jenn23love]

Can the EMG test alone cause any potential harm or is there any risk in the test alone?

[@FkNutZ2]

I am getting it done today, everyone tells me that it isn't bad that it is more of a discomfort then a pain.I am also told that the possibility of having soreness for at least 3 days is iminent. and that might feel worse then the actual test. Will let you know when I get home.

[@FkNutZ2]

I did not think it was painful at all, the was 1 spot that was uncomfortable behind the knee but all in all it was not painful at all.

[@kadaa5]

Thanks for the update seeing this in 2024 , so nervous.

[@Gopackgo1000]

Can anyone tell me if they had this test done do to arm twitching. I have horrible arm twitching when I'm sitting never when I'm standing.

[@GhostsQueen85]

You're compressing a nerve then somewhere when you're sitting down.

[@TheRaveyBabyy]

I have this next week . I want to cancel

[@jeanmccallum-xs8rk]

Excellent idea. I canceled mine. Doctors have hurt me enough. I'm done. This crap is so unnecessary.

[@nonyobussiness3440]

I do not understand anyone being afraid of an emg. You’re obviously not doing well at all and need a diagnosis. Not getting one is worse

[@RyskerSein]

Currently suffering from severe bilateral carpel tunnel. Getting this done on Tuesday. Super worried about the pain lol

[@GhostsQueen85]

Omg how was it? I cause I have the same thing you do and I'm scared to death 😱

[@RyskerSein]

DrCarters GirlDBD Eh tbh it took a really long time since they did both arms. Spent about an hour per arm. When she was listening to the electricity in my nerves was fine other than the needle stinging but what really hurt was when they sent electricity through to check my reflexes in my hands. That hurt a lot because I was already in pain due to the carpel tunnel. Felt like getting my wrist thumped at over and over again. The lady was really nice though and talked to me through the whole thing. Overall it’s not horrible but I’m not going to tell you it wasn’t that bad either lol just grin and bear it is my advice

[@GhostsQueen85]

@@RyskerSein an hour per arm?! Wtf then why do I see videos on here of people doing them for only like 5-10 minutes??

[@RyskerSein]

Most of these videos only show them listening to the electricity in the nerves. They don’t show the part where they send the signals through your nerves. It makes your hands twitch and your finger curl. Like electric acupuncture sorta. I’m not sure why it took so long 🤷🏻‍♂️ but the lady did let me rest in between certain sections and she spent a lot of time double checking some things cause my numbers were low proving I was having some diminished issues.

[@GhostsQueen85]

@@RyskerSein my condition is moderate so maybe it won't take as long as yours did? All I'm worried about now really is if I can get a steroid injection afterwards the same day to help with my symptoms

[@CutiePie232]

Doctor please help me i did NCV test on both hands, one was fine before test but after the test it got way worse, they used 50 mili amps on me and it was so painful and my hand jumped alot.. Is there a chance ncv is harmful?

[@T.e.s.s-v.s]

I’m having the same problems. Things are way worse. How are you now?

[@jennifer763]

Hi if you were checking for shoulder, scapula, and chest atrophy would you do a nerve test on the lower arms or upper as well?

[@krystingrant6292]

I had one I will never get it again. My left arm is a complete mess bicep swollen like a rock. I don't know if it's normal I called Dr he wasn't available nurse acts all nonchalant on the phone.

[@biancadaniel7190]

Has the pain gone or still there ?

[@VitasFan1]

I am horrified of the needle part. I have to use numbing cream to get shots or blood draws. I can't even look at needles without nearly vomiting. I don't think I will be able to do it.

[@ReconsiderArt]

I had the worst experience and the doctor that did it was uncomfortably fast and had it set really high, my arm feels worse, he didn’t even conduct it on my radial nerve properly, I found video proof of this. Im now hurting in my arm in a place Ive never hurt in

[@HK-ny1sg]

How bad are they? What do you feel?

[@HK-ny1sg]

Thanks for the reply. I had mine today. It was painful being shocked more than the needles. However, the needles were scary.

[@shanabanana1]

Hurts like h###

[@krystingrant6292]

My bicep is swollen like Popeye I'm furious

[@tikataka89]

He said survived,that means that really hurts.

[@letsdothis3332]

Its the coolest test. I wanted a job right after that test

[@andk6975]

😂😂😂

[@RehanSaima-r2v]

Mjy Dr na ya test likh kr dea ha kia Paine hota ha is test sa

[@latricelongstreet8199]

Same test. Same guy actually did my test today.

[@betlogwiwi690]

Are EMG/NCV supposed to be done by Neurologist?

[@MrAclaudel]

Neurologists or physiatrists or one of the 184 or so Board Certified physical therapists. All have similar training in that area.

[@meiwong6579]

I’m scared about this test 🙏

[@MissJaneaNay]

The 1st time wasn't painful but the 4th time was horrific not to mention it was my whole body including my face

[@MissJaneaNay]

@FBI OPEN UP I have a condition called GBS so making sure my nerves are normal

[@MissJaneaNay]

@FBI OPEN UP thanks doing better than before but I know carpal tunnel sucks too get better!!!

[@lesterchase4309]

Can you do an EMG on Orchialgia

[@KM-zn3lx]

Shes got quite the tatto, so maybe this wasn't as painful as that? I had tattoo on my ankle, very painful!

[@andk6975]

Why only female patient It's out of my mind

[@msbgr8]

I just had this done and they had to do way more shocks than what's in this video. I was in quite a bit of discomfort and some pain to be honest. Now about 2 hours later and my muscles ache in my arms. My doctor didn't set the expectation and I honestly didn't even look it up. I will end up having the carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists soon.

[@Naomirose86]

Hey sorry to hear that, will they do both wrists at the same time? hardly?

[@reneeva1957]

Hey I'm abotu to go through the same thing in few days, first on EMG and then I think i'll have surgery on both hands, can you tell me if surgery helped you?

[@PebblesMom]

I'm having one done tomorrow and I'm scared to death

[@guiltygucci21]

Had mine done today and the only thing odd was that I had to undress and only be in my underwear even tho i had loose clothing and it was on my hands 😂😅

[@qwerty12343839]

I had one on my legs and was told that it would be minor pain and no after effects. LIARS!!! It was HORRIBLY painful during the procedure and I have lingering pain and nerve fluttering (they said the test was normal, so this is not the response of neural disfunction). Had they been honest with me about the potential pain and after effects, I NEVER would have gone thru with it!!!

[@visheshvideos3619]

How much cost

[@amariliscatclaw142]

Guys look Hank is not dead hes currently doing EMGs!

[@Salomeflores33]

The worst thing ever, why are these videos being made to calm people down? I couldn't do more then one muscle the doctor was just digging and digging into my deltoid with this terrible needle with so much strength,asking me to lift my arm at the same time. Horrible can't believe with so much advance in technology there is no other way to figure out the strength of a muscle then by plunging a sensor into your arm. My doctor was like a maniac, psychopath scientist who hates human beings, and has no compassion for their pain. Some doctors shouldn't be doctors, they should just do research and not deal with patients. There is no real video on KZbin about what really happens during the needles part, now i understand why, it's just too horrible to show that's why they don't let you film. The shocks part is much worse then the videos show it is edited. The strength was more then i told him i could bare. He did not respect my limit like some doctors on KZbin say it is supposed to be...

[@phuck12]

I had been diagnosed with GERD, Esophagitis, Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, Hiatal Hernia and Antral Gastropathy. My only concerning symptom in the first place is burning in my throat, mouth, nose and ears. Endoscopy revealed Esophageal Sphincter isn't tight. I started having constant sharp pains/electric like sensation on my foot after I took Omeprazole (PPI - acid suppressing drug), then it progressed to all over my body including my mouth and teeth, my muscles are flaccid but there were no pains on my neck and head. I had the EMG/NCS test done and wish I never had it done. Been buzzed with electrical shocks all over my body but when it came to the needle part, the doctor stirred the needle around the muscles in my neck and poof, all went downhill. I now have sharp pains on my neck, shoulders and head, even moving my brows caused shooting pains on my head. Bloating, burping, hard abdomen, difficulty breathing and bowel issues followed. I've suffered for over a year now. I wonder if the needle triggered the nerves in my neck or had been cut/severed during the procedure. I honestly don't know what to do now.

[@phuck12]

@@chlorhex6785 This is the problem with u people with that mindset. I KNOW MY BODY MORE than the doctors or other braindead people like you. Have you ever heard the news about a woman who was discharged from a hospital, was stable according to doctors, but didnt leave because she knew there was something wrong with her (difficulty breathing) and police intervened, tried to take her to prison but she insisted that she was in horrible pain and needed a medical attention. The police officers called her a liar, that she was faking it because she was "discharged". She died later on. Go search for Lisa Edwards, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. This is just an example.

[@phuck12]

@@chlorhex6785 On the otherhand, there is such thing as medical procedure or medication injury. Go look in facebook or other forums and educate yourself. There are lot of people that are suffering because of adverse reactions from prescription drugs (bec. every body is different) and when you tell your doctors about it, theyll just look at you like youre crazy, that its ALL IN YOUR HEAD. And the drug they prescribed to you that should help you cure your problem, doesnt even help at all. AND if they believe that you have other problems (caused by drugs doctors gave to you), theyll be happy to prescibe another drug for you, creating another problem and the cycle continues. If you had a procedure that has gone wrong, theyll say that theres nothing they can do about it. And youre left to fend for yourself.

[@phuck12]

@@chlorhex6785 Maybe you could easily say that someone is hypochondriac because you havent experienced it yourself. Pray it wont happen to you because when you do, youll be crying for your mama. Or maybe you are one of the doctors that works for the cartel, you know "drug pushers", all for profit. Bet you still wear your mask inside your home even when youre alone. Also, congratulations for your 100th? booster shots.

[@kepler240]

have you ever got shocked by opening a car door?

[@rosedolch8637]

nope

[@aadinanda7644]

Why this test is for?

[@JoseLopez-bs1wj]

Carpal tunnel in your hands numbness and tingling to see if you have it

[@stanleyslabodnick5891]

I'm going at 10am to get it done

[@MyTorta1]

Getting this done Friday and I'm scared - was told by a couple of people that had it done that it was painful and they had to have the technician stop. I know everyone's pain level is different. Can I take a shot of tequila before this test LOL!

[@mic020792]

Rita S. I just had this done this afternoon. There was pain but it’s tolerable. It helps when you just relax. Think happy thoughts.you can do this!

[@Livelovelaugh128]

So how it went?? Im getting this done in 2wks! Low-key trying to go in with some shots in i think 🤣🤭

[@jessamaecartera1370]

It's not painful,

[@MrAclaudel]

Ha! A TECA machine. The best.

[@supriadiyadi5923]

Aku sendirian tersesat 😭

[@JJbones88]

These tests are horrible. Had it done

[@yumikai05]

Joey E I have to go in for one next Thursday. On my daughters birthday 😰

[@ChannyG1995]

I had one today I wasn’t prepared😔

[@lynnowak9217]

Joey E I'm having one done on my left lower back I'm freaking out

[@kirstinholly]

I guess it depends on your pain tolerance haha

[@drewcecato221]

@@kirstinholly no everybody & situation is different

[@aarfaatahmedahmed3754]

It's not pain full....

[@Liamd330]

This test hurts like a bitch 😭😭😩😩

[@mousaabdulateef9205]

🥀🥀🥀

[@bmk506]

Never again !!!

[@bmk506]

@@julianungar-sargon3473 yea....still never again lol the needles would occasionally hit a nerve and produce a shooting pain. And the lady shocked each spot 10 times in a row