It can also detect conditions such as pinched nerves or inflammation of muscles. By pinpointing the source of the pain, doctors can then devise an appropriate plan of treatment.Īn EMG measures muscle response to nerve stimulation in order to differentiate between a muscle or nerve disorder or find diseases that damage muscle tissue or nerves. The two separate tests, which are generally conducted during the same appointment, are used to measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. Diagnosing Nerve Pain with EMG and NCV Testingĭiagnosing Nerve Pain with EMG and NCV TestingĮlectromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests help to determine if the source of pain is an injured muscle or nerve.