Surface
Electromyography
William Cockburn, D.C., B.C.F.E.
When SEMG first came on the scene, I had great doubt about its clinical utility. Several companies emerged rapidly. Failure of software and hardware components were high and then an all out war between some of the manufacturers occurred severely damaging the credibility of the procedure. As more data became available and refinement of the technology was in progress. I reached a point wherein I determined that a second look was in order.,
Here was a device that could accurately and reliably measure surface potentials from underlying paraspinal activity. Unlike needle emg, it was painless, safe, easy to interpret with new software that had been developed, and patients could see dramatic changes in their condition.
Finally, motion or "dynamic" SEMG capabilities were developed and I was now convinced of its clinical utility. I was able to measure electrical activity, without pain, and compare both sides of the spine at the same moment in time. The myopathic component had been added to my armamentarium,. and a new addition to my "wrap" was in hand.
SEMG when used correctly provides valuable data that is useful in the day to day practice environment. It is inexpensive relative to other devices. It is easy to perform and the new software provided by most manufacturers is highly graphic and exciting. Once again,it is only an adjunctive tool, as there are no stand alone(s), but it gets high overall marks for clinical utility. Once we get over the SEMG vendor wars, the procedure should become a mainstay in chiropractic practices everywhere.