Anyone Have an EMG? What were the results?

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marshrose

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I am pondering requesting an EMG test, soly as my nerve pains have been severe since last July when I got hurt. Even thou they have lessened in the raw severity at rest after my 2 surgeries, once I try doing something they come back with a vengance. Even at rest I still get nerve pains and haveto take the Lorcet 10mg. It doesn't wake me all the time now though, but once I'm up in the morning, about 2 hrs later or less, no matter what I do or don't, it starts, let alone, standing, sitting, trying to walk, it just changes what its affecting with nerve pains, only laying seems to semi relieve the strong nerve pains, and even then I usually have them lingering but semi tolerable. I am always laying down. Upright at the max I last an hour or so, and by then I am gimping terribly.

I am one month post op L4-5 fusion, and 5 months post op L3-4Micro D, and rehernated L4-5.

If any of you had an EMG for nerve pains, post surgical, what were your results?
Did it prove it was permanent? DOES it distinguish from surgical post op pain and permanent? Or is it too early for me to even attempt this test? Is the nerve pain I have now, IF from the surgery, mean damage either way and the EMG won't decipher it for me?

I'm just trying to understand if I can benefit from this test now, or if I haveto wait longer.
Thanks. :)
 
I had an EMG/NCS done a few years back in the earlier stages of my spinal journey. The results were "inconclusive".

The spine doctor that I am seeing now has suggested that we could possibly try doing another one now, however, her feelings about these tests seems to be somewhat arabivalent. She says that an EMG test can definitely show that there is a problem when a "positive" result is given. However, a "negative" result does not mean that there isn't a problem--just means the EMG didn't pick it up. There could NOT be a problem, but there also could be. Hence the "inconclusive" results given rather than saying "you're fine".

For some reason, for ME, the EMG was the worst test I have undergone. I hear so many say it was a piece of cake, but for me personally, I would rather have another discogram than revisit the EMG! (shudder!)
 
EgaRAB lol!!

I guess I won't push it and if he WANTS to do one, ok, but I'm not pushing it being done now, I'll give it time I was dreading the zapss myself, even thou I have seen it done and didn't think it was that bad. :p
 
Rosespetal,

I had one post-op which was normal even though I have severe sciatic pain.

I had an L4/L5 laminectomy/discectomy last August and immediately reherniated. My sciatic pain is severe when I sit, but somewhat tolerable if I am standing for short perioRAB or laying down.

One doctor explained to me that an EMG will only show if a nerve is being compressed while you are laying down on your back as you do for the test. An EMG test will not pick up severe irritation to a nerve root which often happens if the herniation doesn't constantly constrict it, but severe irritation can cause sciatic pain just as bad. An EMG will only pick up a disruption of the electrical signals going from the nerve up through the spinal cord to the brain and back again. The nerve path may function properly and send the signal back and forth just fine even if it is being irritated or mildly compressed, but often will not when there is severe compression.

Basically, if you are experiencing foot drop or continuous nurabness, the EMG may show a problem; however, if you get relief of pain while laying down on your back it may not show a problem (even though a problem may exist).

HTH!
 
try a diskogram it will show it while your lying,, however i will warn you they are extremely painful,,, i have had 2 and the 2 one i passed out but yet its will tell where the problem is
 
Well, maybe I should clarify to say that the nerve conduction study (NCS) part with the electrodes was no problem for me. The zapping was easily tolerated! However the electromyography (EMG) part where the needles were inserted into the muscles was not my idea of a good time. I believe they did 16 needles on me from foot to low back (8 on each side of body) and I hated every minute of it. And all that to be told it was "inconclusive"! Ay yi yi!

I do wonder how much depenRAB on the expertise of the person performing the test, since I hear so many others say they had no problems. Maybe I'm super sensitive, or the doctor performing my test wasn't as good as she could have been!

I think the test is certainly worth having if warranted. After living in a world of chronic pain, how bad can it really be, right? Ha!
 
I SEE Glad I asked! Thanks brendaks, I had no idea, sounRAB like it's not going to show much for me, eventually if this keeps up I think dr is going to order one, but with that, I dont see a reason to push for being zapped unless HE orders it, instead of me requesting it LOL


I know they would not do a discogram, as that is normally just done prior to surgery to ensure they have the right disc, I doubt they'd order one for me, I've gone thru 2 surgeries without one thankfully.
 
I've had 2 EMG's performed by 2 different doctors. One of the tests was a little more painful than the other, but neither was all that bad at all. The needles that are used are very thin and don't hurt any more than accupuncture going in. I certainly wouldn't hestitate to have another one if it were warranted.
 
Rose-
My L5-S1 disc has herniated 2x.....and they were HUGE herniations. My nerve pain never really went away after my second surgery. I had several MRI's and a CT Myelogram and all those show NO compression on the nerves. The scans looked great and showed no reason at all for my nerve pain. My doctor ordered an EMG. OMG..I am sooo glad I had it done. It is a very easy test with very mild discomfort. As soon as he tested my damaged side and in the lower disc area, you should have heard the machine......it was like....CRRRRRRRRRR. It was soooo loud. The person performing the test said I definitely have nerve damage (the machine was quiet during the other parts of the test).

I have had seven surgical consults and they all agree that I have permanent nerve damage and the EMG test confirmed that my pain is coming from my nerves. It was very sad to get the diagnosis, but happy that I finally had a test that showed how much pain I was in.

My last surgery was about 15 months before that EMG. My doctors told me that after 12 months, nerves that are not healed probably will not. Since my herniations were so large, my doctors said it could take up to 2 years. But since my pain is only getting worse and it has now been 18 months, it's not looking too good.

10sox
 
I had a neuro doctor do mine, have had 2 done, upper and lower body. The needles are not fun but is the best way to tell you whats going on. Find yourself a doc that does alot of the emg's. good luck.
 
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