Pain and tension don’t always tell the whole story. Two people can walk into the office with similar complaints but have very different examination findings.
That’s one reason Chiropractic FIRST in Lincoln uses surface electromyography (SEMG) and heart rate scans as part of its examination process. These non-invasive tools provide additional information that Dr. Jamey Krueger can consider alongside your health history, symptoms, and physical examination.
What Does an SEMG Scan Measure?
Surface electromyography measures electrical activity produced by muscles. During an SEMG scan, sensors are placed on the skin over the muscles being evaluated. No needles are involved.
At our practice, SEMG is used to look at the activity of the postural muscles along the spine. The readings may show differences in muscle activity from one area or side of the body to another.
This information doesn’t diagnose the cause of pain or identify a condition on its own. Instead, it gives your chiropractor another piece of information to consider during your examination.
What About Heart Rate Scans?
Heart rate and heart rate variability measurements provide different information. Rather than measuring the electrical activity of the muscles along the spine, these readings look at aspects of cardiac rhythm and variation between heartbeats.
Heart rate variability is influenced by the autonomic nervous system, which helps regulate functions such as heart rate. A reading provides information from a particular point in time and needs to be interpreted in context.
It isn’t a cardiac diagnostic test or a replacement for evaluation by a medical professional when heart-related concerns are present.
Looking at More Than How You Feel
How you feel matters, of course, but symptoms can change from day to day. Objective measurements can give your chiropractor information that isn’t based solely on whether you’re having a particularly good or bad day.
Dr. Krueger considers scan findings together with other parts of the examination rather than relying on a scan alone. Depending on the individual, that may include:
- Health and symptom history
- Physical and chiropractic examination findings
- SEMG or heart rate measurements
- Movement or posture observations
- Imaging when clinically indicated
Taken together, these findings help build a broader picture of what’s happening and whether chiropractic care may be suitable for you.
Can the Scans Find Nerve Interference?
“Nerve interference” is terminology commonly used in chiropractic to describe altered nervous system function. It’s important, however, to distinguish that concept from what these scans directly measure.
SEMG measures electrical activity in muscles, while heart rate measurements provide information about cardiac rhythm or variability. Neither scan, by itself, diagnoses nerve interference.
At Chiropractic FIRST, scan findings may be considered as part of the overall examination when Dr. Krueger is evaluating how your body is functioning and determining an individualized approach to care.
Why Might Scans Be Repeated?
An initial scan can provide a baseline from one point in time. When clinically appropriate, repeating the measurement allows your chiropractor to compare readings collected at different visits.
That doesn’t mean a change on a scan automatically represents an improvement in health or that an unchanged scan means care isn’t helping. Scan findings are considered alongside symptoms, examination findings, function, and the patient’s individual goals.
What to Expect During a Scan
Both scans are non-invasive and generally straightforward.
For SEMG, sensors rest on the skin over the muscles being measured while electrical activity is recorded. Heart rate measurements are also collected externally. Your chiropractor can explain what is being measured, why the scan is being recommended, and how the results fit into your examination.
If findings raise concerns that require evaluation outside the chiropractic scope of practice, referral to an appropriate healthcare professional may be recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an SEMG scan diagnose what’s causing my pain?
No. SEMG records electrical activity produced by muscles. The findings may provide additional information during an examination, but they don’t independently diagnose the cause of pain or another health condition.
Are SEMG and heart rate scans painful?
Both are non-invasive measurements taken using sensors placed on the body. Surface EMG does not involve the needles used in needle EMG testing.
Why would my chiropractor repeat a scan?
A repeat measurement can provide a comparison with an earlier reading. Your chiropractor may consider that information alongside your symptoms, function, examination findings, and other relevant factors.
Get a Fuller Picture
If you’ve been wondering why discomfort keeps returning or simply want to learn more about how your body is functioning, an examination can be a good place to start. Dr. Krueger can determine whether SEMG, heart rate measurements, or other examination procedures are relevant to your situation. Contact us today to book an appointment.