The purpose of performing testing at your initial evaluation is to assess the state of physiologic function of your spine that cannot be seen on X-Ray. The three standard tests are:

1) Surface electromyography (SEMG Scan) to assess the electrical current in the muscles. Your muscles are controlled by nerves. The SEMG measures how well the motor nerves are working by reading the amount of current found in the muscles. Spinal Subluxations disturb nerve flow and cause an abnormal amount of electrical current to flow to your muscles. Additionally, altered spinal position or brain function creates muscle imbalance. This reveals an increased amount of tension/pull on one side compare to the other (similar to a tug of war.)

2) Temperature Differences (Thermal Scan)

When the communication between the nerve system and your blood vessels is disturbed the body’s thermostat malfunctions producing an imbalanced temperature reading along the spine. These blood vessels are controlled by the same part of the Central Nerve System that coordinates your organs, glands and body chemistry, your autonomic system. Temperature differences beyond 1/2 a degree can be neurologically pathological. (Umatsu) Additionally, a non changing reading indicates a nerve system that fails to adapt to stress appropriately. (Palmer)

3) Range of motion: To measure loss of Motion/Flexibility (Inclinometer)

This test measures your spinal movement in comparison to normal ranges for your age and gender. When there is abnormal positioning of the vertebrae, it reduces fluid motion of your spine. When range of motion is restricted stress is caused on the parts involved—this begins a decaying process and spinal degeneration. This process will not only affect the problem areas, but left uncorrected will negatively affect the whole body. If you had 1 of the 4 tires turning 20% less than the other 3 your vehicle would be unsafe to drive. You have 7 neck bones, 12 mid-back bones, and 5 low-back bones. They must all move freely and fluidly for you spine to take you on your life's journeys safely.