Electrodiagnostic Medicine NJ & NYC

What Is an Electromyography (EMG) Test?

An Electromyography (EMG) is an electrodiagnostic procedure used to evaluate a patient’s muscles and nerves. EMG test can help our doctors diagnose problems with the nerves and muscles. The procedure does this by measuring the signals, or connecting transmitters, between the nerves and the muscles. An EMG may be performed on patients who have symptoms associated with muscle or nerve disorders.

Common muscle and nerve disorders to be ruled out or diagnosed during an EMG are:

• Carpal Tunnel
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Herniated Discs
• Nerve Injuries in the neck, back and other Spine conditions

At The Spine & Rehab Group we offer EMGs in our offices. After your test, the doctors will prepare a report based on the procedure and follow up with you soon after. Other on-site diagnostic tests are available for our patients including X-Rays. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, contact us at (201) 822-9831.

Who’s a Good Candidate for an Electromyography Procedure?

An electromyography test (EMG) is recommended for patients experiencing symptoms that suggest a nerve or muscle disorder.

You may be a candidate for an EMG test if you are suffering from:

• Radiating Pain: Pain that travels from the spine down into the arms or legs (Back pain, Neck pain or Sciatica).
• Numbness or Tingling: Persistent “pins and needles” sensations in the hands or feet.
• Muscle Weakness: Unexplained loss of strength or muscle wasting.
• Burning Sensations: Often associated with peripheral neuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Sports injuries.

How Do I Prepare for an EMG Test?

Preparation for an EMG is simple but important to ensure the accuracy of the results.

To prepare for your appointment:

• Keep Skin Clean: Avoid applying lotions, oils, or creams on the day of the test, as these can interfere with the electrode sensors.
• Dress Comfortably: Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being tested.
• Manage Medications: Inform your doctor if you are taking blood thinners (like warfarin) or have a pacemaker.
• ​Temperature: Try to keep your hands and feet warm before the test, as cold temperatures can affect nerve conduction speeds.

What Can I Expect during an Electromyography Test?

The EMG test typically consists of two parts and takes between 30 and 60 minutes:

1. Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): Small electrodes are placed on the skin’s surface. A tiny electrical pulse is sent to the nerve to measure how fast and how well the nerve transmits signals.
2. Needle EMG: A very thin, fine needle electrode is inserted into specific muscles. This allows the doctor to listen to the electrical activity within the muscle both at rest and during contraction.

Our Board certified doctors Amr Hosny, MD, MBA, FASA Book Now David Chu, MD, FAAPMR Book Now Vivek Mehta, MD, FAAPMR Book Now Deepali Gupta, MD, DABA, DABPM Book Now

Is an EMG Test Painful?

It’s common to feel a bit of apprehension regarding the “needles” or “shocks” involved in electrodiagnostic medicine. However, most patients find the electromyography test to be easily tolerable. The electrical pulses during the NCS feel like a localized “twitch” or static discharge. The needle insertion may feel like a small pinprick or a muscle cramp. While you may feel some minor discomfort during the procedure, there are no lasting side effects, though some patients experience slight muscle soreness for a day or two afterward.

What if the Electromyography Test Is Negative?

A “negative” or normal result means that the nerves and muscles tested are functioning properly at the time of the exam. If your EMG test results are normal but your symptoms persist, it helps our specialists rule out certain conditions like pinched nerves, disc herniations, or ALS. In this case, your doctor will look into other potential causes for your symptoms, such as soft tissue injuries, vascular issues, or referred pain from the spine that may require different diagnostic imaging like an MRI.

EMG Testing Specialists in New Jersey & New York City

Our team of specialists at The Spine & Rehab Group in Manhattan and New Jersey utilize Electrodiagnostic Medicine to properly diagnosis pain conditions and distinguish the root cause of muscular pain and weakness. These electrodiagnostic procedures allow our team to appropriately treat patients from the start by developing customized treatment plans for a more personalized and effective recovery. We conveniently offer our patients diagnostic tests at our offices in North New Jersey as well as Midtown and Union Square, NYC.

The Spine & Rehab Group
140 NJ-17,
Paramus, NJ 07652
(212) 242-8160