SAM, A New Portable Long Duration Ultrasound Device (Lower Back)

The SAM (sustained acoustic medicine) ultrasound device is a small, wearable device that delivers over 18,000 Joules of energy when two crystals are worn for 4 hours. This has been shown to decease pain in knee osteoarthritis, trapezius myofascial pain, and low back pain with a herniated disk. The following is a case of a nurse who was limited in her work from a painful lower back strain [Figure 1].

Patient: Mellissa G – Lansing MI

Diagnosis: Lumbar back strain

“Since hurting my back at work from pulling equipment and patients, I have not been able to do household activities and I have not been able to walk long distances because it is too painful.”

Initial pain level (Scale 1 “least” – “Worst Pain Possible”). Prior to using SAM pain level was “4” and after using SAM for 1-2 days, the pain decreased to a “1”.

I was prescribed pain medication and after using the SAM I was able to “stop using pain medication”.

I was prescribed pain medication and after using the SAM I was able to “stop using pain medication”.

None.

No Conflict of Interest.