Do you ever experience unexplained tingling or numbness? Are your muscles weak or cramped? Do your muscles often twitch involuntarily? You could have an undiagnosed muscle or nerve disorder. You can’t begin treatment until you receive a diagnosis.
Electromyography, or EMG, is the diagnostic tool used at Rye Brook Physical Medicine to discover the source of patients’ unexplained pain and discomfort. Learn more about the power of having an EMG and how the process works before you schedule your consultation.
Why Get an EMG?
Ongoing pain, weakness, twitching or cramps negatively impact your quality of life. However, you can’t begin treatment for your condition until a healthcare professional diagnoses the problem, and an EMG is the tool for the job. According to MedicineNet.com:
• An EMG can help a medical professional distinguish between muscle and nerve disorders, which have very different treatments.
• The tool can detect whether muscle weakness is genuine or simply the result of using the muscle less because it’s painful to move.
• An EMG can isolate the level of nerve irritation or injury.
How to Prepare for an EMG
• Don’t smoke for at least three hours leading up to the EMG.
• Bathe or shower before testing to remove oils from your skin. Don’t apply lotion or cream after washing.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Depending on the areas being tested, you may be asked to change into a gown.
Be aware that if you have certain medical conditions, you may not be eligible for an EMG. Having a pacemaker, implantable defibrillator, bleeding disorder or lymphedema could disqualify you. Bring up any medications you’re taking, especially blood thinners, or other medical conditions you have prior to testing.
What to Expect During an EMG
The diagnostic process takes anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes and usually involves two parts:
• First is nerve conduction velocity testing, or NCV. The doctor places small electrodes to the surface of your skin to send and receive electrical signals through your nerves. The readings show what happens to the signal and determine whether something is wrong. You may feel tingling or twitching during this portion of the nerve testing.
• Second is the needle electrode exam, which involves inserting small, thin needles just under the skin, often with local anesthesia to prevent pain. The needles capture electrical impulses while you relax and contract your muscles as the testing technician advises. A computer translates electrical activity in your muscles into waveforms on a screen.
Some patients feel some degree of pain or discomfort during an EMG. If you ever become too uncomfortable during the test, you can ask to take a break.
The Effects of an EMG on Your Body
While an EMG is a low-risk diagnostic tool, some patients report tingling and swelling at the needle sites lasting for about an hour after the test. You can mask any residual soreness by taking over-the-counter pain medicine over the next few days.
The Power of EMG
Unlike many other diagnostic tests, results from your EMG are available instantly. Your Back 2 Health practitioner will interpret the results for you as they’re displayed on the screen during the test. In some cases, you may begin treatment for your condition immediately. You may also need to follow up with additional tests that can help make your treatment more accurate and effective.
If you think Electromyography could be the diagnostic tool you need to figure out your mysterious muscle pain, please set up a free consultation with Rye Brook Physical Medicine today.
