SAM, a.k.a. S adenosyl methionine, a.k.a. active methionine, is a metabolic intermediate of the sulfur-containing amino acid methionine. In this form, SAM is the main source for methyl groups to be donated for a host of cellular biochemical reactions. Although you may not have heard of SAM, I am optimistic that many DCs will soon have another powerful nutritional weapon for the neuromusculoskeletal system.
SAM is anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, analgesic, and stimulates articular chondrocytes to produce proteoglycans. SAM is absorbed orally. SAM is normally dosed at 400 mg three times per day. In studies against nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories for the treatment of osteo-arthritis of the hip and knee in humans, SAM (1) increased pain-free range of motion; (2) decreased night pain; and (3) decreased muscle spasms (in other words, osteoarthritic patients who took SAM got better results than the patients who took NSAIDs). I am still researching SAM and will provide references and more information in upcoming articles. It is definitely the most exciting compound since glucosamine for those of us who treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions.
Attention Nutrition Companies
I hope some of the many companies that cater to chiropractors' nutritional needs answer my question and show us all where we can find SAM. I would like to see SAM in 400 mg capsules alone and in encapsulated combination formulas with other complementary nutrients such as glucosamine sulfate, zinc, copper, manganese, B6, vitamin C, and bioflavonoids. I hope by the end of this year all chiropractors will have access to SAM.
G. Douglas Andersen, D.C.
Brea, California
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
