HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?īefore the test, the doctor will talk to the patient about his or her medical problem and perform a brief examination. It’s important for patients to know that the test does not prove the existence of pain, and a negative test does not mean a person doesn’t hurt. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY PROCEDURE?ĭepending on the question, the consultant can look for nerve or nerve root injuries, illnesses of the nerves, or muscle disease. For persons with back or neck pain, this test is very valuable in determining whether a “pinched” or damaged nerve is part of the problem. Electromyography, also called EMG or Electrodiagnostic Medicine, is a medical subspecialty that involves testing of nerves and muscles.