What Is an EMG?

Dealing with issues with your nerves or muscles can affect your ability to perform in everyday activities and it can be difficult to understand why you may be feeling a certain way. When you have numbness or tingling, weakness, or pain and cramping in your muscles, your doctor may want to run some tests to determine what may be wrong with your functionality. This could be an issue with your nerves that needs to be addressed and to test that theory, your doctor will need to run an electromyography, also known as an EMG. Your providers at Rehabilitation Physicians in Novi, Livonia, and Howell, MI, can explain what an EMG is and when it may be needed.

What is an EMG?

An EMG is a diagnostic test that determines how effectively your nerves are controlling your muscles. With an EMG, your doctor in Novi and Howell, MI, can accurately diagnose a neuromuscular disorder that you may be dealing with. Some common disorders that an EMG can help diagnose include:

  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Polio
  • A herniated spinal disk

During an EMG, a needle electrode is first inserted into a muscle and additional electrodes may be placed in different areas on top of your skin, usually where symptoms occur. These electrodes will then record electrical activity within the muscle and this activity is then translated and interpreted by your doctor. It’s important that your skin is free of any oils and lotions before an EMG. You may notice slight bruising where needles were inserted, but that should fade within a few days.

Contact Your Doctor Today!

If you’re dealing with issues like weak or pained muscles, it’s important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Contact your providers at Rehabilitation Physicians in Novi, Livonia, and Howell, MI, to find out if you need an EMG. Call for more information and to schedule an appointment at (248) 893-3200.

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