Nerve Testing for Chronic Pain

What You Need To Know

Learn how nerve testing works and what it can reveal about your symptoms.

Nerve and Sensory Testing Explained

Nerve and 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. 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 with the nerves and muscles, and may help to establish the specific nature of the issue.

There are a number of different things that can cause muscle pain and numbness in the lower extremities. Poor circulation, diabetes, injuries, and other conditions can cause damage to nerves and muscles that impedes their ability to conduct signals and respond to impulses 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.

The results of an EMG can reveal any abnormalities, issues, or damage to the muscles and nerves and help to identify the root issue. If you have leg pain or numbness, contact the Foot Care Center to schedule an evaluation and find out whether nerve testing is right for you.

What to Expect During Your EMG

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, 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. Your technologist will then ask you to slowly tighten the muscle so the electrical activity in the contracted muscle can be recorded. The electrode may need to be moved several times to get a complete reading.

A video monitor shows the electrical activity in the muscle, usually appearing as wavy or spiked lines. You may also 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, and if needed, your doctor will work with you to put together a treatment plan based on the findings.