Nerve Testing for Chronic Pain

What You Need To Know

Understanding nerve sensory testing and the conditions it helps diagnose.

Nerve Sensory Testing Explained

Nerve/Neurological Sensory Testing is performed using an electromyogram (EMG), which measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. Nerve conduction studies measure how well and how fast the nerves can send electrical signals. Nerves control the muscles in the body with electrical signals called impulses, and these impulses make the muscles react in specific ways, allowing your doctor to evaluate the responsiveness of the nerves and muscles. An abnormal response indicates a problem and may help establish the specific nature of the issue.

A number of different things can cause muscle pain and numbness in the lower extremities. Poor circulation, diabetes, injuries, and other conditions can damage nerves and muscles and impede their ability to conduct signals from the brain. A nerve sense test may be called for if you are experiencing symptoms of nerve damage or a nerve disorder, including tingling, numbness, weakness, spasms, or paralysis of the leg muscles.

If your feet suffer from burning or tingling sensations, radiating pain, or numbness with activities, you may have a peripheral nerve condition that requires attention. Peripheral neuropathy is often associated with diabetes and can cause you to lose sensation in your feet and legs. Because you might not feel a cut or sore spot, an infection is more likely to develop if you suffer from neuropathy.

If you are noticing any of these symptoms, schedule an evaluation so we can determine the cause and outline a treatment plan.

What To Expect During EMG Testing

No major preparation is necessary for an electromyogram test. You should bathe or shower the day of the test, and your doctor may ask you not to use lotion or oil on the area being examined prior to the test, as some of these may interfere with results. You should also inform your doctor if you have a pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator, as electrical stimulation may affect these implants.

During the test, you will be asked to either lie down on a table or bed or sit in a reclining chair to relax your muscles. The skin around the testing area will be cleaned, and an electrode attached to a recording machine will be placed on the skin. Once the electrodes are in place, the electrical activity in your relaxed muscle is recorded by the machine. Your technologist will then ask you to slowly tighten the muscle so the activity in the contracted muscle can be recorded. To get a complete reading, the electrode may need to be moved several times.

A video monitor is used to show the electrical activity in the muscle and usually appears as wavy or spiked lines. You may also be able to hear the activity on the machine as you contract and release your muscles. The EMG test usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

There may be some mild muscle soreness following an EMG, but this should subside after a day or two. You will receive your results within a couple of days of the test, and if needed your doctor will work with you to put together a treatment plan based on the results. EMG testing is often covered by health insurance, so talk to your provider to confirm your coverage before scheduling.