One electrode sends a mild electrical pulse, and the other receives it. You may feel a slight pinch when they insert the needles, but most patients tolerate the test well.ĭuring an NCS, your provider places two electrodes on your skin, near the area where you’re having symptoms. They also place thin needle electrodes into your muscles to measure activity while your muscles are at rest or contracted.

What should I expect during an EMG or NCS?ĭuring an EMG, your provider attaches electrodes to your skin covering the area where you have symptoms to measure how well your nerves send electrical signals. Pain, Spine & Rehab Associates offers electrodiagnostic testing and nerve conduction studies for patients of the practice, as well as for patients referred by other providers. Radiculopathies (nerve compression in the spine) The tests often reveal the root cause of your symptoms, which may include: They often combine EMG and NCS tests to gather as much information about your nerve and muscle health as possible. The team at Pain, Spine & Rehab Associates uses EMG and NCS testing to identify the cause of symptoms such as: An NCS shows if there is a blockage or damage in the nerve that prevents signals from reaching your muscles or your brain. The test stimulates specific nerves and monitors how the impulse travels to your muscles. What is an NCS?Ī nerve conduction study (NCS) is a test that measures how well signals travel through your nerves to your muscles. The team at Pain, Spine & Rehab Associates uses EMGs to monitor the nerve signals in your muscles and identify any irregularities that could be causing your pain. Your motor neurons transmit signals to your muscles, telling them to contract and relax. Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the health of your muscles and the nerves that control them.

How painful is a emg test