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EMG Test and Nerve Conduction Study in Jacksonville, FL
- Two Jacksonville Locations
- Customized Treatments
- Coordinated Injury Care
- Physical Therapy, Medical Care, Pain Management, Electrodiagnostics, Concussion Care, Auto Accidents, Workers' Comp, DOL, LHWCA, OWCP, Longshore
EMG and Nerve Testing at a Jacksonville Injury Clinic
If you have numbness, tingling, weakness or pain that travels down an arm or leg after an injury, an EMG test and nerve conduction study (EMG/NCV) may help show whether a nerve is involved and where. At East Coast Injury Clinic, electrodiagnostic testing is performed by our chiropractic neurologists with diplomate training in electrodiagnosis, and the results go straight into the same record your treating providers use.
Testing is ordered when your history and exam suggest a nerve problem, and it is one part of your evaluation, not a stand-alone answer. Your providers combine it with your exam and any imaging.
We perform EMG testing for patients of our Southside clinic on Deerwood Park Blvd and our North Jacksonville clinic on N Main St. Call (904) 513-3954 to ask about scheduling.
Chiropractic and Physical Therapy in Jacksonville, FL
East Coast Injury Clinic is a chiropractic and injury clinic in Jacksonville, FL, providing chiropractic care and injury treatment. From auto accident injuries and spinal misalignments to chronic pain and neurological rehabilitation, our team delivers compassionate, personalized care. Our Jacksonville team is here to guide you every step of the way as you work toward relief and better mobility.
What an EMG Test and Nerve Conduction Study Measure
Nerve conduction study (NCS or NCV)
Small sticky electrodes are placed on the skin, and brief, mild electrical pulses stimulate a nerve. A nerve conduction study measures how fast and how strongly electrical signals travel along a nerve. Slowed or weakened signals can point to a compressed or damaged nerve.
Needle EMG
A very thin needle electrode is placed into selected muscles. Needle EMG records the electrical activity of a muscle at rest and when you tighten it, which can show whether the nerve supplying that muscle is working normally.
Conditions EMG/NCV testing may help evaluate
- Radiculopathy: irritation of a spinal nerve root, such as from a herniated disc. Sciatica is a lumbar radiculopathy.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve entrapments in the arms and legs
- Peripheral neuropathy: damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord
- Pinched nerves and nerve injuries after trauma
- Muscle weakness without a clear cause
For a broader look at nerve symptoms and how they are checked, read symptoms of a damaged nervous system.
What EMG can and cannot tell you
- EMG measures nerve and muscle function. It does not measure pain.
- A normal EMG does not rule out radiculopathy. Some nerve root problems do not show up on the test.
- Surface EMG, which uses only skin sensors, is not a valid diagnostic test for radiculopathy or nerve disease, according to the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM). We do not use surface EMG to diagnose nerve injury.
- EMG and imaging answer different questions. An MRI shows structure; EMG shows function. Your provider may use both.
Our Chiropractic Services in Jacksonville, FL
At East Coast Injury Clinic, we provide a comprehensive range of services designed to help you recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve your overall health.
- Chiropractic Adjustments
- Diversified Technique
- Activator Method
- Physical Therapy
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Shockwave Therapy
- Car Crash Injury Clinic
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Sciatica
- Whiplash
- Herniated Disc
- Pinched Nerve
- Specialized Chiropractic
- Prenatal Injury Chiropractic
- Sports Chiropractic
- Emergency Chiropractic
- Workers Comp Chiropractic
- Federal Workers’ Compensation Program (OWCP)
- Adjunct Therapies
- Chiropractic Massage
- Myofascial Release
- Stretching Exercises
- Functional Movement
- Balance Training
- Conditions We Treat
- TMJ / Jaw Pain
- Headaches
- Concussion
- Diagnostics & Exams
- Eye Tracking & Vision Therapy
- Electromyography
- Videonystagmography
What to Expect During Your EMG Test
- Check-in and history. Your provider reviews your symptoms and exam to decide which nerves and muscles to test.
- Nerve conduction study. Electrodes are placed on the skin and short electrical pulses are applied. Each pulse feels like a quick tap or tingle.
- Needle EMG, if needed. A thin needle electrode is placed in a few muscles. You will be asked to relax, then gently tighten each muscle.
- Wrap-up. Electrodes are removed, and you can usually return to normal activities right away.
How long does an EMG test take?
Many EMG/NCV tests take about 30 to 90 minutes, depending on how many nerves and muscles need to be tested.
Does an EMG hurt?
Most people describe the nerve conduction pulses as brief and uncomfortable rather than painful, and the needle portion may cause mild discomfort. Some people have mild soreness or small bruises at the needle sites for a day or two. Tell your provider if you want to pause at any point.
When should you get tested after an injury?
Timing matters. EMG signs of nerve injury may take about three weeks to appear, so testing too soon after an injury can be less informative. Your provider will recommend when testing is likely to be most useful.
Key EMG facts
- A nerve conduction study measures how fast and how strongly electrical signals travel along a nerve.
- Needle EMG records the electrical activity of a muscle at rest and during contraction.
- EMG signs of nerve injury may take about three weeks to appear after the injury.
- A normal EMG does not rule out radiculopathy.
- Surface EMG is not a valid diagnostic test for radiculopathy or nerve disease (AANEM).
Preparing for Your Test and Getting Results
How to prepare
- Shower the day of the test and do not use lotion, oil or cream on your skin, because they interfere with the electrodes.
- Wear loose clothing that lets us reach your arms, legs or back.
- Tell us before the test if you take blood thinners, have a pacemaker or other implanted device, or have a bleeding disorder.
- Keep taking your usual medications unless your provider tells you otherwise.
- Try to keep your hands and feet warm, since cold skin can slow nerve signals.
Getting your results
Your provider may share preliminary findings at the end of the test. The full written report usually follows within a few days and goes to your treating provider, who explains what it means for your plan, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, a pain management consultation, imaging or a referral to a neurologist or surgeon.
EMG results and injury claims
After a car accident or work injury, your EMG report becomes part of your medical record. It documents objective findings about nerve and muscle function. With your written authorization, we can send it to your insurer or attorney. A test result documents what was found; it cannot promise the outcome of any claim, and we do not give legal advice.
Coverage for EMG testing
Coverage for electrodiagnostic testing depends on who performs it and your plan. Medicare and federal OWCP do not pay for EMG testing performed by a chiropractor, so if you have Medicare or an OWCP claim, our front desk will review your options before testing. Florida PIP and some other coverage may pay when the test is medically necessary. We verify coverage before your test.
EMG Testing Inside an Injury Clinic, at Two Locations
EMG testing here is part of an injury clinic, not a stand-alone lab. That means:
- Testing tied to your exam: the nerves and muscles tested are chosen from your history and neurological assessment.
- Results that reach your treating team: your chiropractors, physicians and physical therapists use the same record.
- Next steps in one place: rehabilitation, pain management or imaging referrals can follow without starting over at a new office.
To schedule, call (904) 513-3954. Bring a photo ID, your insurance or claim information, a list of your medications and any imaging reports.
Our locations:
- Southside (Deerwood): 10550 Deerwood Park Blvd, Suite 609, Jacksonville, FL 32256. In the Deerwood Park office area near J. Turner Butler Blvd (JTB), I-295 and Southside Blvd, a short drive from the St. Johns Town Center area.
- North Jacksonville: 13453 N Main St, Suite 302, Jacksonville, FL 32218. On N Main St north of I-295, convenient for the Northside and the JAX airport area.
Learn more about our diagnostics and exams, including VNG testing for dizziness.
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EMG Test FAQs
An EMG test shows how well your muscles and the nerves that control them are working. Together with a nerve conduction study, it can help identify nerve compression, radiculopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy and some nerve injuries after trauma. It does not measure pain.
A nerve conduction study measures how fast and how strongly electrical signals travel along a nerve, using electrodes on the skin. Needle EMG records the electrical activity inside a muscle at rest and during contraction. The two are often done together and reported as EMG/NCV.
Most people find it tolerable. The nerve conduction pulses feel like brief taps or tingles, and the needle portion may cause mild discomfort. Some people have mild soreness or small bruises for a day or two. You can ask to pause at any time.
Many EMG/NCV tests take about 30 to 90 minutes, depending on how many nerves and muscles are tested. You can usually return to normal activities right after.
Shower the day of the test and skip lotions, oils and creams. Wear loose clothing, keep taking your usual medications unless told otherwise, and tell us beforehand if you take blood thinners or have a pacemaker or other implanted device.
Your provider may share preliminary findings at the end of the test. The full written report usually follows within a few days, and your treating provider reviews what it means for your care.
EMG signs of nerve injury may take about three weeks to appear, so testing too soon can be less informative. Your provider will recommend timing based on your symptoms and exam. Go to the ER for sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin.
It can help. Sciatica is usually a lumbar radiculopathy, and EMG/NCV can show whether a nerve root or a nerve in the leg is not working normally. A normal EMG does not rule out radiculopathy, so your provider interprets it with your exam and imaging.
No. Surface EMG uses only skin sensors. According to the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, it is not a valid diagnostic test for radiculopathy or nerve disease. We do not use surface EMG to diagnose nerve injury.
EMG/NCV testing is performed by our chiropractic neurologists with diplomate training in electrodiagnosis. Medicare and federal OWCP do not pay for EMG testing performed by a chiropractor, so our front desk reviews your coverage before testing.
Your EMG report is part of your medical record and documents objective findings about nerve and muscle function. With your written authorization, we can send it to your insurer or attorney. A test result cannot promise the outcome of a claim, and we do not give legal advice.
Most injury care at East Coast Injury Clinic is covered through one of four paths: auto insurance PIP after a car accident, a personal injury attorney’s Letter of Protection, state workers’ compensation for a work injury, or federal workers’ compensation (OWCP or Longshore) if you are a federal or maritime employee. We also see patients under Medicare, Tricare, VA Community Care, and a limited number of private plans. Our front desk verifies coverage before your first visit and explains exactly what is and is not covered for your specific case, so there are no surprises. Call 904-513-3954 or visit eastcoastinjury.com to start.
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not constitute a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results vary. East Coast Injury Clinic’s services may not be appropriate for every condition or patient. Please consult a licensed healthcare professional to determine whether these services are right for your specific situation. Information provided about insurance, PIP, workers’ compensation, OWCP, or Longshore coverage is general and is not legal advice. For legal questions related to a claim, consult a licensed attorney.
East Coast Injury Clinic | 10550 Deerwood Park Blvd, Suite 609, Jacksonville, FL 32256 | 13453 N Main St, Suite 302, Jacksonville, FL 32218 | 904-513-3954 | eastcoastinjury.com
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