Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation is the application of adjusting forces to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, bones, and cartilage of the vertebral column. This is done with the goal of restoring normal spinal motion and the reduction or elimination of pain caused by subtle disruptions of normal spinal biomechanics. Techniques include high-velocity/low amplitude thrusting, adjustment, impulse activation, traction, and flexion-distraction methods.

There are few risks associated with spinal manipulation. The rare adverse effects that have been reported occurred when thrusting techniques were improperly applied, or were used in ill-advised situations, such as severe osteoporosis. This is why spinal manipulation must be performed only when all relevant information has been collected via history, physical exam, and diagnostic studies. Diagnostic studies usually include x-rays, and may include nerve conduction studies, electromyography, bone density measurement, magnetic resonance imaging, or bloodwork. People who feel uncomfortable with the idea of spinal manipulation usually proceed with confidence once their concerns are addressed.

Spinal manipulative therapy is most often performed by doctors of chiropractic medicine. Some, but not all doctors of osteopathy use spinal manipulation techniques as a part of their practice. Doctors of naprapathy use techniques of spinal manipulation, similar to those used by chiropractors and osteopaths. Spinal manipulation is useful in painful conditions of the neck, back, and pelvis brought on by abnormal biomechanics. These abnormalities include subluxations (partial dislocations of vertebral joints), pelvic asymmetries, vertebral rotation, disc bulging or herniation, disc degeneration, scoliosis, and spondylosis (bony changes associated with degenerative joint disease).

Spinal manipulation therapies are used to treat acute and chronic pain, to produce corrections of abnormal biomechanics and incorrect posture, and to help maintain nomral function and thereby prevent recurrent episodes of neck or back pain.