myelogram/discogram and emg

[towlie]

one of my neurosurgeons ordered an EMG for me.
The other neurosurgeon ordered a discogram and myelogram.
I have herniated discs in my neck along with stenosis. Herniated discs in my lumbar along with narrowing of the spinal column.

After reading what these 3 tests involve I have to say I am worried about the pain involved. Also, it seems there are possible side effects with the tests and they aren't totally accepted throughout the medical community.

My questions are: Are these tests as painful as it seems?
Are they totally necessary? I am really worried about side effects, What are the chances of side effects? And why did one doctor order and EMG for my cervical area and the other a disco gram/myelogram?
Any help is appreciated.

[joan143]

i had a discogram about a month ago. my neck was very stiff and the headache was very bad. i could not lift my head. a week later the doctor did a bloodpatch. i still have a stiff neck and the headache. nobody asked me if i take any medication at the xray place and the dr who did the discogram sent me home immediatly. the procedures was VERY VERY PAINFULL. my back became numb the futher i walked after disogram but after lying in bed that symptom went away. i am told to drink lots of water to get the fluid out of my system. but is does not seem to work. what can i do?    

[attheendofmyrope]

I have never had a myelogram/discogram before so I can't tell you anything about them, but I can tell you that an emg is uncomfortable, but not terribly painful. I have had one of my right forearm and hand and just recently of both legs and my lower back. I have never had anything more than a small bruise from one of the needle pricks. As I said, it is uncomfortable but not really painful. I hope this helps.