Electromyography involves testing the nerves and muscles. Summit Orthopedic Specialists' board certified physiatrist uses EMG to diagnose neuromuscular disorders, muscle disease and nerve abnormalities.
Muscles are stimulated by signals from nerve cells called motor neurons. This stimulation causes electrical activity in the muscle, which in turn causes contraction. EMG can help determine whether a particular muscle is responding appropriately to stimulation, and whether a muscle remains inactive when not stimulated.
EMG is an outpatient procedure that usually takes about 30 – 60 minutes. During an EMG, your doctor will test nerve function by applying small electrical impulses to specific nerves in the arms and legs and measure their response. Then a small, thin needle is placed into the muscle to record the electrical activity during relaxation and contraction. Your doctor will listen to the responses and record the electrical signals onto a computer.
Electrodiagnostic tests such as EMG involve no radiation or medication and are very safe. You may experience slight discomfort during the test and your muscles may be a bit sore following the procedure, but there are no long-term side effects.
For more information about EMG and other electrodiagnostic procedures to help diagnose your pain, please call Summit Orthopedic Specialists at (916) 965-4000.
Learn more about electrodiagnostic testing.