Press Release - Boyd Chiropractic uses the newest Computer Technology to evaluate patients

Chiropractic has been around for over 100 years, but it has just recently received a technological boost with the development of some new computerized testing equipment. In an effort to provide the best possible care for the community Dr David Boyd of the Boyd Chiropractic Center has recently introduced the Insight Millennium Subluxation station the newest technology for the chiropractic profession into his family wellness practice in Castle Rock.


This technology is used to assist in the detection of subluxations by measuring physiologic activity. Subluxation is the term used to describe an abnormal position/movement of the spinal vertebrae, which disturbs communication within the Central Nervous System, causing decreased human potential and function. The Subluxation Station features three different, painless and non-invasive tests that help characterize this abnormal activity surrounding the spine.


“Often time’s subluxations do not create pain of discomfort until they have progressed to an advanced stage”, says Dr Boyd. “The Subluxation Station helps me to accurately identify these problems before they become symptomatic.” As a result, he can prepare a specific care program based on each patient’s test results.


The Surface Electromyography or SEMG, scans the electrical signals produced by muscles along the spine. When a muscle contracts, it produces a small electrical signal. The harder the muscle pulls, the more electricity it gives off. Areas of excess activity may indicate corresponding areas of nerve pressure, which can result in back pain, headaches, or a multitude of other symptoms.


Subluxations (misalignments) disturb the function of the nerve causing an abnormal amount of electrical current flowing to your muscles, which are indicated by colors or abnormal patterns.


The procedure is painless, and results come on a computer printout that graphically illustrates areas of more and less electrical activity. The test is very simple. The patient’s skin on the back of his or her neck and spine is cleaned with rubbing alcohol. Then the doctor or technician places probes on specific spots along the spine.


A second scan, called thermography or “thermal” scan, is also done to measure how the autonomic nervous system is functioning.  This test is even easier and faster than the SEMG and only takes a minute to perform. A special scanner, which uses 2 very sensitive temperature sensors, is rolled up the spine from the lower back to the base of the skull.


The autonomic nervous system controls bodily functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion and organ functions, essentially everything that functions on its own and that you don’t have to think about. “The scans are very accurate as to what’s going on underneath, even without symptoms”, explained Boyd. 


If your body’s temperature is 98.6 degrees, then the left and right sides of you spine should be the same temperature. Your skin is the largest organ of the body and the blood vessels under your skin work as the body’s thermostat. (They expand to release heat and contract to retain heat, controlling the body’s temperature.) When the communication between the Nervous System and the blood vessels is disturbed by a subluxation of the vertebra, it causes the body’s thermostat to malfunction producing an imbalanced temperature reading along the spine. These blood vessels are controlled by the same part of the Central Nervous system that runs your organs and glands, known as the autonomic system. This thermal scan provides the doctor with information to monitor the autonomic nervous system for proper function


An overall evaluation in the office includes a case history, orthopedic, neurologic and chiropractic examination. We combine these results with the results of x-ray examinations and the computerized spinal analysis to determine what is actually wrong. Then we discuss with the patient the course of treatment that is outlined specifically for them. Our aim is not only to get him or her out of pain, but also to move them toward optimal health. We also use this same technology to determine when a patient has reached their maximum improvement.


This technology is great for children too, because children can’t always tell you what is bothering them, especially newborns. This non-invasive technology is very useful as part of the examination process to help detect any abnormalities in the autonomic or motor nervous system.


Chiropractic works because your body is a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right. Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine called subluxation can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and compromise the function of affected organs and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve the communication between your brain and body. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.


In addition Chiropractic adjustments are safe.  A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are ‘remarkably safe’. By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record.  Adjustments are more than 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.


Once a patient is diagnosed, Boyd’s usual protocol is to give the patient spinal adjustments. The adjustments are done on vertebrae that are ‘subluxated’, or misaligned. The idea is to align the joints in the back in order to correct the way the nervous system is functioning. “We remove nerve interference, and because the body is self healing and self-regulating it can heal itself, naturally”, Boyd said


“It takes a certain amount of time for the body to adapt to corrections”, Boyd said.  He added, “although the patient’s pain might be gone, the underlying problem that caused the pain may not be solved immediately”. A new scan is done after 12 to 15 adjustments to check the patient’s progress.


“I’m focused on …overall health rather than just pain relief and symptoms”, he said. Dr. Boyd’s ultimate goal, as stated in his mission statement, is “To teach patients that health is a journey and not a destination. To base health decisions on a lifestyle concept, rather than the sickness care model of waiting for symptoms and dis-ease to occur.” 


Dr Boyd is 1982 Palmer College of Chiropractic Graduate and this is Dr Boyd’s 18th year in practice in Castle Rock. He was voted best Chiropractor in Douglas County in 2000 and Best Chiropractor in Castle Rock for 2001. He and his two children, Sydney and Jonathan, make their home here in Castle Rock.


Anyone wishing to receive a computerized spinal screening can contact the Boyd Chiropractic Center at 303-688-2000 to arrange for an appointment or request more information about chiropractic and this new technology.