In terms of studies and scientific support, algometry (also known as dolorimetry) is well accepted. In the Council on Chiropractic Practice Clinical Practice Guideline Vertebral Subluxation in Chiropractic Practice, algometry is reviewed, and references are listed. The document is available online at no charge at http://www.ccp-guidelines.org Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) has been used by many authors to quantify pain findings for myofascial trigger points and pain over bone using an Algometer. Changes in algometer readings have been used to document changes in pressure sensitivity in persons following the application of manual procedures such as manipulation, mobilization, and adjustment (1,2) The reliability (reproducibility) of algometric measurements is well established (3-8). Pressure sensitivity measurements have been related to palpation findings (9) cervical curves, and symptom severity reported on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (10). Measures Pain On Pressure, Not Constant Pain This should not be confused with the use of a visual analog scale (VAS) where the patient reports the severity of pain as a presenting symptom. The algometer is used to measure paraspinal pain on pressure (tenderness). It is not used to measure pain, per se. This is an important distinction. With tenderness, the patient only feels pain when pressure is applied. The pain is not constant. The best example of this is traditional palpation, where the doctor notes any tender areas that are disclosed as the spine is palpated. Such tenderness is a well accepted manifestation of subluxation, although the cause of the tenderness may or may not be at the level of tenderness.
Not A Stand-Alone Test
It is important to remember that we do not perform algometry as a stand alone test, but recommend that it be used in the determination of the Neurospinal Function Index (NSFi). Pain and tenderness are highly complex phenomena, which involve biopsychosocial as well as purely physiological processes. Therefore, algometry should not, in our opinion, be used without also looking at the function of the rest of the nervous system as well as ranges of motion.