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Electromyography (EMG)

University Pain and Spine Center -  - Interventional Pain Management Physician

University Pain and Spine Center

Interventional Pain Management Physicians & Minimally Invasive Surgeons located throughout the state of New Jersey

If you’re experiencing persistent muscle numbness or pain, the physicians at the University Pain and Spine Center offer on-site diagnostic EMG testing at their offices in Englewood Cliffs, Monroe Township, Clark, Freehold, and Somerset, New Jersey. The medical team uses EMG testing to quickly diagnose the root cause of numbness, tingling, or frequent cramps in your muscles. To learn more about the diagnostic benefits of an EMG, call the University Pain and Spine Center, or request an appointment online today.

Electromyography (EMG)

 

This is a test of your muscles and nerves. It usually has two parts. One is a nerve conduction study. This measures how well electricity moves through your nerves. The second part is a needle electromyogram. It records the electrical signals your muscles make when you move them. The results can help your doctor find problems linked to certain disorders or conditions.

Before the test, you may be given a hospital gown to wear. You lie on an exam table. For the nerve conduction study, some small, disc-shaped electrodes are taped on skin. Very low levels of electricity are sent through these electrodes. A computer measures how quickly the signals pass from one electrode to another. For the needle electromyogram, a special needle is placed into one of your muscles. You relax the muscle, and then you contract it. The needle measures how much electricity your muscle generates. The needle may be put in several different muscles during your test. Once test is completed, you can go home. Your muscles may feel tender for a few days. Your healthcare provider will study the results of your exam and will talk to you about them at a followup visit.

 


 

Electromyography (EMG) Q & A

 

What is an EMG?

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure to identify issues that affect your muscle health and nerve function. EMG testing can help the University Pain and Spine Center team confirm or rule out conditions like:

  • A pinched nerve from a herniated disc
  • Muscle disorders
  • Nerve disorders
  • Peripheral nerve damage

The test also provides your physician with information about how well your nerves and muscles are functioning in general.

Why would I need an EMG?

The team at the University Pain and Spine Center offers on-site EMG testing services and may recommend an EMG if you experience unexplained symptoms like:

  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Muscle weakness

An EMG can also help determine if the pain in your arms, legs, or other parts of your body is the result of muscle or nerve issues or another underlying condition.

What can I expect during an EMG?

An EMG is a low-risk procedure that involves the placement of electrodes at various locations on your body. These electrodes sit on the surface of your skin and connect to a machine that monitors muscle movements.

During your EMG, the electrodes send a tiny electrical current into the muscles that may cause temporary cramping or twinges. The electrodes collect information about your muscle and nerve activity throughout testing.

In some cases, an EMG requires the insertion of a needle deeper into the muscle to deliver the current of electricity. This form of testing can determine if nerves are active only during muscle contractions or if they also react when your muscles relax.

What happens after an EMG?

Following your EMG, your University Pain and Spine Center provider removes the electrodes or needles. There may be some mild bruising in the area that resolves within a few days.

Your physician reviews the results of the test and can make recommendations for additional diagnostic testing or treatments you need moving forward. They can create a pain management plan to treat any conditions the EMG detects to protect your muscle function and overall health.

If persistent numbness or tingling in your arms or legs are limiting what you can do, schedule an EMG by calling the University Pain and Spine Center office nearest you or by requesting an appointment online today.