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Electromyography Test For Neuropathy

A MySpondylitisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Jefferson City, MO

Yesterday I had an Electromyography (EMG) it is a diagnostic procedure that measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. It's used to help diagnose muscle and nerve disorders, and to determine the cause of pain, weakness, or cramping. It also is a test that can diagnose Neuropathy. I was diagnosed with Neuropathy yesterday in both feet and both legs. A doctor performed the testing and was able to give me the results at the completion of the test. 

I have had symptoms of what seemed… read more

January 23
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Can Spondylitis Cause Neuropathy? Read Article...
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

Yes, I'm checking out the gloves, too. I got the scrubber like this. I didn't want anything too big so I could get into the corners but also easy to lift up to the top of the shower liner.

March 29
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

Hi Michael, Like you and your wife I find myself making different kinds of purchases too. I have a bathtub scrubber like a mop with a triangle shaped brush that bends at the tip and reaches all the corners of my tub. I can clean it without bending much or getting on the floor. I needed a different type of olive oil bottle I could hold and control better. I had been keeping it in a dark green mason jar. While shopping I held at least 20 bottles before buying one. Now I have better control and it doesn't slip from my grip.
I moved in here 6 months ago. I have wood floors except the bedrooms with carpeting. I thought I would get two area rugs stylish but I decided not to, now. If I need my Rollator/walker it works well without rugs. I think I'll keep it easy on myself. Plus, my floors are pretty and easier to keep clean this way.

I really appreciate your post Michael. You gave some great practical tips. I haven't been breaking plates but I know if I did I'd be the one cleaning it up. :-( I'll keep that in mind. Have a great weekend, Mike. Lola

March 29 (edited)
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

OMG, how in the world are you able to roll all of that off your mind/tongue/and lap top??? My goodness. I'm a fast reader and I had to slow my roll because it was so much my brain was beginning to swell! 🧠 I've had a terrible headache for two days so I may have to dissect your experiences and acronyms tomorrow. I'm terribly sorry for all of the things just in this post you've had to go through, Pitac, and I mean that sincerely. As always I appreciate you sharing each thing you do. Lola

January 23
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member i have had EMG with NCV on all 4 limbs, multiple times. Yes, this is my least favorite test ever and i find it extremely distressing. I don't have neuropathy specifically myself, but I know a few people who do.
I have a friend with nerve damage after being hit by an IED, one that has nerve damage after surgery. These are all with a peripheral neuropathy, i don't know anyone with autonomic neuropathy, so can't speak much to that.

I have another condition that affects nerve function in the body, so while my nerves themselves aren't damaged, I have all the same symptoms - weakness, numbness, tingling, pain, etc. My condition is from the message sent from the brain to the nerves that creates the problem. Hilariously it is literally all in my head, which is what some previous doctors accused me of when they couldn't figure it out, but yes it is the brain that is messing up signals. So every time they do an EMG the nerves themselves come back as fine because they aren't the cause of the problem. My main problem started in the nerves in my chest and only in later years started affecting my limbs. My left arm is probably the worst, but because I have it in my chest, it affects my breathing.
I take gabapentin which is a neuropathic pain killer, I tried many different things but this was most effective with minimal side effects for me, but my biggest help has been my neurostimulator. I like it for the fact that it is non-pharmaceutical, and it doesn't kill the pain but does interfere with the pain signals to dull that pain, so welcomed when the pain can be so sharp and stabby and shoot like electricity through me.
If you are shopping around for a pain management doctor I would encourage you to find one who deals with this type of implant and can advise you best for your circumstances. I met a lot of the people I know with similar symptoms through the same treatment. Before being diagnosed with AS, I had a peer support group more specifically for that. I know there are many others on this site that also have neurostimulators, it works for some and not others. Everybody is different, but if this is the route you are taking, make sure you can still get an MRI with the type of implant you choose.
By the way, we are trying to get me off the gabapentin, which may be the only happy consequence/side effect of my AS treatment. But all in all, for someone with a few chronic pain conditions, only being on one pain med is rather brilliant. I have been able to drop everything else, my neurostimulator has been my life saver.

I hope you are able to find the right solution for you. And the right doctor who can help you with your concerns and work with you to find what works best for your body.

January 23
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

Ooooo, those are great tips, too!!😁

March 29

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