Relationship between the Needling Technique and Pain During

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2002;4(1):14-18.
Published online May 10, 2002.

Abstract

Objectives : The pain during needle electromyography (EMG) distresses the patient and can interfere with diagnostic accuracy. We assessed the relationship of the needling technique and the pain during needle EMG Methods : Twenty adults (men: 12, women: 8) without neurological disorders were studied. The immediate pain during needle EMG based on type of needle used, needling insertion angle and velocity were measured. Level of pain was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Level of discomfort according to needle movement within muscle and muscle contraction was evaluated immediately. Results : The monopolar needle and fast insertion were less painful than concentric needle electrode and slow insertion velocity. The VAS score was not significant between the needle insertional angle 30º, 60º, 90º. Level of discomfort were significantly different related to needle-handling within muscle and muscle contraction technique Conclusion : These findings would support the hypothesis that the needle-handling and muscle-contraction technique as well as needle type play a large role in determining pain during needle EMG

Key Words: Electromyography, Pain, Visual analogue scale