About the Scans

 At ProHealth Chiropractic we perform the following 5 scans in order to determine the proper treatment plan for YOU!

Thermograph

The first test performed is the thermal scan which measures temperature differences along the spine.

Skin is the largest organ of the body. The blood vessels under the skin work as the body’s thermostat. In order to maintain an even temperature, blood vessels expand to release heat and constrict to retain heat. If your body temperature is 98.6 degrees, the left and right sides of your spine should both be 98.6 degrees.

When the communication between the nervous system and the blood vessels is disturbed, it causes the body’s thermostat to malfunction thereby producing an imbalanced temperature reading along the spine. These blood vessels are controlled by the same part of the Central Nervous System (CNS) that runs the organs and glands, known as the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). This thermal scan provides us with information to monitor the autonomic system for proper function.

The incredibly sensitive ANS can adapt immediately to stressors if it is functioning at its optimal ability. When it does react to stress, the ANS should fire off signals at the spinal nerve level in a symmetrical fashion. It has been documented that the continuous asymmetrical firing of these nerve impulses is a measure of neural Dis-Ease. This is a state known as dysautonomia. Because the ANS controls the caliber of the blood vessels, any interference to this system will show up as a variance in spinal temperature. Continued patterns of subluxation will cause dysautonomia and therefore thermal scans are significant in measuring the ability of the patient to regain a wellness state.

Surface Electromyography (sEMG scan) 

The next test is the sEMG. Two sets of results are gathered from this one scan. The first “static” result determines how well your motor nerves are working by reading the electrical current found on the muscles. The next “symmetry” result is that of how balanced or unbalanced your spinal muscles are.

Result #1 from the sEMG = static

The purpose of this test is to determine how your body is able to adapt to gravity at selected spinal levels. This test is performed in a sitting position. The muscles that lie on both sides of the spine must work to keep you sitting upright. Therefore, a certain amount of muscle activity is essential for a healthy spine. As nerve signals fire into the muscles “normal” and balanced pattern should be present. If the body/mind is constantly struggling to work against the subluxations and the degenerations a distorted pattern may appear.

It is most common to see mild, moderate or severe compensations due to subluxations in the spine. Too much activity can be noted as “guarding” as the body/mind defends and protects the nervous system from unusual gravity reactions. Indeed, sometimes the body/mind has compensated for so long that the muscles may appear to work in relatively normal ranges. With this result, Dr. Robinson must apply all the information gathered from all your tests to decipher through the situation and find the real problem.

Result #2 from the sEMG = Asymmetry interpretation

Muscle balance is extremely important because the vertebrae in the spine depend on the muscles to move properly. If one or more vertebrae are out of their normal position (subluxated), it disturbs nerve function. This disturbance creates muscle imbalance caused by an abnormal amount of electrical current in the muscles on either side of the spine. As a result of this disturbance, the muscles can become weaker or stronger, tighter or more fatigued than they are supposed to be. The abnormal muscle pattern on the scan reveals an increased amount of tension/pull on one side than on the other side - similar to a tug-of-war.

The software of the Insight™ Millennium takes the data of the static sEMG and correlates the amount of tension that is being applied to the spine at each measured segment. If muscles are actively pulling in an awkward, unbalanced manner then the computer will register this distortion as being mild, moderate or severe. More often than not, your pain patterns will be consistent with the asymmetry patterns detected by this scan. 

Inclinometer

The third test, performed with a Digital Inclinometer, measures your flexibility or range of motion (ROM). We most often perform this test on patients who have had an auto, work or personal injury, however patients who have had long-term immobility of some part of the spine also benefit from this test. It can be beneficial and encouraging to see a visual chart of how much your range of motion has improved after Chiropractic care.

This test measures your spinal movement/flexibility as compared to a spine with a normal and acceptable range of motion. When there is abnormal positioning of the vertebrae (subluxation), it disturbs the Nervous system and causes abnormal, usually decreased, muscle function. This in turn causes abnormal, also usually decreased, range of motion and movement in the spine. The longer your motion is restricted, the more irritation occurs, the faster your body degenerates.

Algometer

The Algometry test measures tenderness along your spine. This test is particularly informative when performed on patients who have chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia; it gives us a clear, visual picture of your problem areas. Having a color photograph of your spine makes it easier to envision what Dr. Robinson tells you about how correcting the spine can help the body heal itself and decrease or potentially even completely rid itself of the constant fatigue and achiness. This test is also beneficial for patients suffering from auto, work or personal injuries.

Pulse Wave Profiler 

This test, also known as "heart rate variable", allows Dr. Robinson to determine your overall ability to adapt to your environment. This test looks at the timing of your pulse and determines the balance and tone of your nervous system. Proper balance and tone are associated with better adaptability and a healthy lifestyle. Low heart rate variability is associated with aging and poor heart health. Published research has shown that chiropractic adjustments have a beneficial effect on heart rate variability.