Surface EMG

MyoVision Scanning sEMG system

High Levels Of Muscle Tension Are Associated With Subluxation

Computerized Spinal Examination through Surface Electromyography (sEMG) is used to evaluate the relative levels of electrical activity associated with Vertebral Subluxation. By interfering with the communication between the brain and the rest of the body, a Vertebral Subluxation leads to improper electrical impulses which can lead to poor health. The Computerized sEMG Scanning provides qualitative and quantitative data to assist the Chiropractor in determining which areas / levels of the nervous system are being adversely affected by Vertebral Subluxations.

MyoVision Scanning sEMG system. The MyoVision system utilized a 25-500 Hz Bandpass filter with hand held scanning probes, and was set to display data between 1 and 200 microvolts.

sEMG quantifies the levels of muscle "tension" about the spine. Muscles "tense up" about the spine to "compensate" for subluxations or problems with the spine. The Static Scanning test provides information only about the neutral postures, and is not a dynamic measurement. Note that muscles will not necessarily fire on the same side as the complaint. Since they are compensating for the problem, they may fire on the opposite side, or even in other areas (e.g. neck problems will sometimes appear as high levels of tension in the upper thoracic area above the shoulder blades to the base of the neck). Results from this sEMG study indicated the following:

Muscle tension was considered HIGH at the following sites: T1 T3 T5 T7 L3.

This may be caused by the patient "bracing" due to spinal subluxation, or other spinal conditions. In children, readings are typically higher. In these cases, it is more important to note the highest areas only relative to the rest of the sEMG readings.

Muscle tension was MODERATELY HIGH at the following sites: C2 C4 C6 T1 L5.
These are areas which indicate higher than normal levels of muscle tension or "bracing". It is worth considering these areas when evaluating the spine. Muscle tension was NORMAL at the following sites: T3 T11 L1.

Muscle tension was BELOW NORMAL at the following sites:
C6 T9 T11 L1 L3 L5.

This may be due to several reasons:

If there is palpable muscle spasm, or the patient complains of problems, muscles may have stopped firing due to fatigue. Although muscles may appear tense, in actuality there is little or no electrical activity. Over the course of several weeks of adjusting, many times there is an increase in activity as muscles "come alive" and begin firing normally again.
Muscles are relaxed due to a lack of problems with the spine.
There is too much tissue between the measuring electrodes and the muscles. The greater the distance, the lower the readings.
Use of muscle relaxing drugs or TENS in the last 24 hours.

At Schiffer Chiropractic Clinic we are proud to offer the best in chiropractic care and advanced technology that will assist us in discovering the origin of your pain so that we can help you relieve your pain and regain a healthy spine.

Surface EMG is the latest in spine diagnostic technology. the sEMG system measures the levels of electrical activity in your back which helps us detect any subluxations in your spine. Subluxations are a leading cause of back and neck pain.

Contact Schiffer Chiropractic today for an appointment and let us help you lead a healthy and pain-free life.