Surface Electromyography
Surface Electromyography (SEMG) is a method which measures the electrical activity released when muscles contract. This contraction is known as muscular tension. It works in a similar manner as the electro-cardiogram, which measures the hearts activity. The equipment has been developed specifically for use by chiropractors.
The examination is not in the least painful. It is totally non invasive and results in no irritation at all. It is therefore, absolutely safe for children and babies, pregnant women, and the elderly. All that is needed is that small electrodes are placed on the skin either side of the spine and the two readings are compared. The whole exam lasts about five minutes
Why is muscular activity important?
The muscles tend to contract in the presence of vertebral subluxation or dysfunction. Theses subluxations interfere with nerve impulses, which have an effect on muscles, blood vessels and also the internal organs. Vertebral subluxations or dysfunction reduce the body's capacity to maintain optimum health. Their presence has a negative influence on the nervous system, resulting in increased or decreased muscular activity. The SEMG demonstrates the muscular component of a subluxation. Your chiropractor then corrects these subluxations with the simple, efficient chiropractic adjustment.
Scientific research published in various medical and chiropractic journals have shown that the SEMG is a very efficient evaluation method to establish abnormal muscle tension. Initially, it can help to verify the severity of your problem, and help follow the healing process during the course of your treatment plan.
Interpreting the resulting printout.
Green bars are to be considered to have normal muscle tension, yellow bars are slightly abnormal and red bars are indicative of abnormally high tension. Normally, the red zones coincide with the areas or spinal dysfunction, or subluxation. These will be the areas treated by your chiropractor.
Chiropractic and your SEMG
The chiropractic adjustment has a number of effects on the nervous system. In most cases, if the SEMG is repeated after a course of chiropractic treatment, it shows the rebalancing and normalisation of the musculature. The information provided helps the chiropractor to decide on the best treatment in each case. Later it may be used to evaluate and document your healing.