Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation is the art and science of manually correcting the alignment of the spinal joints. This process is commonly known as a spinal adjustment. There are several distinct types of joints in the spine which can be manipulated. The most common of these are the vertebral synovial joints, the zygapophysial joints, the occipitoatlantal joint and the sacroiliac joints. Manipulation is an ancient practice which dates back thousands of years but was brought into the modern world of medicine by the science of chiropractic.

Spinal manipulation

Spinal Manipulation Practitioners

Chiropractors are the main practitioners of manual manipulation of the spine. The entire science of chiropractic is based upon proper vertebral alignment creating ideal neurological pathways to maintain good general health. Other professionals who practice manipulation are some physical therapists, some osteopaths and certain varieties of massage therapist. Manipulation is an exact science and should not be attempted by an untrained or under-trained individual. Failure to follow specific manipulation guidelines can result in serious back injury.

Spinal Manipulation Methods

Manipulation can be done vigorously or gently. The amount of force used depends greatly upon the patient, the practitioner, the symptomatic condition and the anatomical location. Individual patients respond differently to manipulation. It will generally take some time for the care provider and the patient to agree on the proper methods and force to be used in order to obtain optimal results. It is always better to start with conservative manipulation until your body gets used to the idea of being forcefully repositioned.

Manipulation is designed to improve joint movement, correct vertebral alignment, reduce back pain, optimize neurological signals, and increase flexibility and range of motion throughout the spine.

Risks of Chiropractic Manipulation

Studies have linked manipulation to various serious health conditions such as stroke, heart attack and seizures. These effects are extremely rare, but do sometimes occur. Far more common risks and side effects include localized or radiating soreness, headache, ringing in the ears, sinus activity and muscle tightness. Some patients experience a worsening of symptoms due to vertebral manipulation. Make sure to report any unusual symptoms to your care provider after receiving manipulation of the spinal joints.

Recommendation on Spinal Manipulation

Some healthcare professionals doubt whether manipulation does anything at all. Other professionals recognize it as a valuable part of a combined care program. A few professionals believe manipulation to be the most important part of a person�s health care maintenance program. Regardless of your thoughts on manipulation, there is no denying that it is an extremely popular and widespread form of treatment for common back pain conditions. I used chiropractic manipulation as my main treatment for 18 years while suffering with chronic back pain. I never saw any definitive proof that chiropractic did anything at all to help my pain. It certainly never cured it. I know that part of its effect was caused by placebo reaction and other part was most likely a conditioned response to receiving an adjustment. Remember that my symptoms were caused by a psychosomatic process, same as the majority of patients with long term unresolved back pain. For patients with true physically induced back pain syndromes, manipulation might just be a helpful and valuable part of a therapy regimen.

Spinal Manipulation to Back Pain Home page 10/24/07 Revised 6/14/08