What Happens During an EMG Test and Nerve Conduction Study?

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies evaluate the health and function of muscles and nerves but do so in different ways.

An EMG checks muscle health at rest and during activity. Nerve conduction studies measure how well motor (movement) and sensory signals travel along your nerves.

Both tests help diagnose and treat neuromuscular disorders like muscular dystrophy and chronic pain disorders like diabetic neuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Our multispecialty team at Coastal Spine in Mount Laurel, Sewell, Galloway, Wall, and Vineland, New Jersey, may recommend EMG testing and nerve conduction studies as part of your comprehensive care strategy.

Read more about the benefits of these outpatient studies and what to expect.

Benefits of EMG and nerve conduction studies

If you experience muscle weakness, tingling in the hands or feet, or pain that might be due to peripheral nerve issues, your Coastal Spine specialist may recommend EMG or nerve conduction studies.

For instance, shoulder pain could be related to a rotator cuff tear or a pinched nerve in the neck (cervical radiculopathy). Chronic back pain may be related to muscular issues, arthritis, or a herniated disc compressing and irritating a nearby nerve.

Results from EMG tests and nerve conduction studies can help pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and influence treatment plans that may include physical therapy, medication, activity modification, or surgery.

Understanding the difference

A nerve conduction study measures how well and how fast electrical signals travel through peripheral nerves. That helps us detect nerve dysfunction and gauge the level of damage, which in turn helps us identify the best treatment.

For instance, mild carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by nerve impingement, may respond well to bracing and activity modification. Surgery may be better for more bothersome symptoms or those resistant to conservative treatments.

An EMG assesses the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction, helping identify disorders or nerve dysfunction that may affect muscles. Healthy muscles shouldn’t produce electrical activity at rest.

An abnormal reading during an EMG could offer insight into what’s causing symptoms like muscle cramping, twitching, weakness, or atrophy (wasting).

What to expect during an EMG test and nerve conduction study

The test experience can vary depending on your symptoms and the areas of concern. Your Coastal Spine specialist discusses the details before scheduling the study.

However, we often perform these outpatient tests during the same office visit, during which you lie or sit comfortably on an exam table. They typically take 30-60 minutes.

Electromyography (EMG)

During an EMG, a small, needle-like electrode inserted into the targeted muscle detects and records the electrical signals as you gently contract and relax the muscle.

You may experience a mild pinch when we insert the electrode. However, the needle electrode is thin (similar to those used in acupuncture), and most patients tolerate the procedure well with little to no discomfort.

Nerve conduction study (NCS)

The NCS, typically done before an EMG, involves placing electrodes on the skin along the pathway of the nerve being tested.

Short, controlled electrical impulses delivered via the electrode stimulate the nerve. A nearby computer measures how quickly the electrical signal travels along the targeted nerve pathway.

You may experience slight tingling in the area under study, but the electrical impulse is mild, and the test is otherwise painless.

The results help your Coastal Spine specialist identify and plan treatment strategies for diabetic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other painful nerve disorders.

Schedule a visit at Coastal Spine today for outstanding care personalized to your needs. Call the office or request an appointment online.