Spinal sEMG | RYNK Chiropractic

Track Your Spinal Health

with Paraspinal sEMG (Surface Electromyography)

"Just as blood pressure is used to track

your cardiovascular health, scanning spinal sEMG

is used to track your spine health"

What is the ScanVision™ Spinal Stress Exam?

ScanVision tool is essentially an electronic form of palpation, which measures the muscular compensation for subluxation or issues with the spine. The tool uses the same technology as ECG/EKG. The scanner is held momentarily against the left and right sides of the spine like a stethoscope, and quick readings of muscle activity at various levels of the spine are measured and stored. Scanning sEMG provides an objective means of measuring muscle activity around the spine, just as a cardiologist utilizes an EKG.

Is it painful?

Not at all. It is non-invasive and does not cause pain or irritation. This makes it safe for children, pregnant women, and seniors. It simply requires the placement of small electrodes against the skin.

Why is muscle activity important?

Muscles compensate for pain and/or spinal subluxation by tensing up to brace and guard. Scanning sEMG objectively documents this pattern of muscular guarding, establishing the need for care and objectively tracking progress over time.

What do the results mean?

Colors indicate levels of tension from very low, average, moderately high, and high readings. High readings (red) are typically seen in the acute phase of spinal subluxation or injury, while very low readings (yellow) are commonly seen when muscles are in a chronic state of fatigue from being overly stressed.

How does this relate to your health?

Just as blood pressure is used to track your cardiovascular health, scanning spinal sEMG is used to track your spinal health. The data helps determine the proper course of care, and track your progress over time.

What is the EP Stress Score?

The Electrophysiological (EP) Stress Score is calculated by adding up all muscle activity readings (in microvolts) at all levels of the spine. This sum of all muscle activity around the spine provides a baseline measurement for which all subsequent readings are compared. This allows us to track your progress over time. Elevated EP Stress Score readings on a first exam are associated with the acute state of subluxation and/or spinal health. Readings typically will drop after 4-6 weeks of care. Low EP Stress Score readings on a first exam are associated with a chronic problem, with muscles in a state of fatigue. Your EP Stress Score will gradually increase as muscles begin to fire more normally. Since no one lives static lives, expect your EP Stress Score to reflect your activities of daily living. Everything from sitting at the computer too long, to playing sports will impact your score.