Spinal Analysis Machine (S.A.M.)

Introduction

The Spinal Analysis Machine (S.A.M. for short) is a fancy twin-scale device that many chiropractors use to detect "postural imbalances." The person being tested stands with one foot on each scale while the chiropractor makes various observations about the weight readings and the individual's posture. The difference in weight supposedly enables the chiropractor to establish [1]:

• the difference in weight between the right and the left sides of the body
• how the length of the legs compare
• the horizontal alignment of the hips and shoulders
• the vertical alignment of the spine and head
• the probable areas of scoliosis .

It is promoted for various things including initial evaluation of new patients, "public health screenings," health talks, scoliosis detection centers, mall shows, spinal care classes, and patient progress evaluations.

The company marketing the device also provides posters, display booths, and computer software for generating reports. The posters purport to show relationships between leg-length differences, spinal curvature, "subluxations," and poor health. The computer software can generate reports describing the alleged postural imbalances, degree of "scoliosis (spinal curvature)," and a statement that most spines with scoliosis show "subluxation degeneration," which, if untreated, can progress and become irreversible. The spinal curvature is described as "probably the result of leg length deficiency," which the chiropractor can correct.

In 1999, the twin-scale device cost $2,995 for a model that can adjust the patient's posture and $1,795 for a nonadjustable model [2]. Pretty pricey for a scale!

How it is suposed to work

Use of the S.A.M. device is based on the notion that "apparent differences" in leg lengths can cause spinal curvature and subluxations even though the leg bones are the same length. Chiropractors may claim to detect leg-length differences using this device or by observing the position of the feet with the patient lying facedown on an examining table. The company's brochure also claims that 85% of people have "apparent differences" in leg length and suggests that use of the device can attract 20 to 40 new patients per week. The more likely explanation is that such "differences" are caused by slight variations of hip position or of normal spinal muscle tension. This is normal and does not cause problems for a vast majority of people.

Conclusion

S.A.M. appears to be another variation of the "Activator Method". We do not recommend purchasing a series of treatments (more than one treatment is always recommended) based on reported abnormal findings from this device.

Resources

1. Information about S.A.M. obtained form "Chirobase.Org". Please visit this site for more indepth coverage of this and many other topics.

2. S.A.M. Web site, accessed July 17, 2000.

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