27 Dec 09 Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation for Back Pain

Chiropractic care involving spinal manipulation is a type of manual therapy for back pain. The procedure involves the movement of synovial joints in the back. Any joint in the back may be treated by spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulation may also be referred to as an adjustment. The procedure is carried out primarily by chiropractors and osteopaths. The procedure is performed to relieve back pain and increase range of motion. Adjustments are performed to bring the vertebrae into alignment and aid in healing. The theory behind spinal manipulation is that the structure of the spine affects its functioning.

Chiropractors use a variety of different approaches to treating back pain in addition to the regular spinal adjustments that they do. The approaches they use are all geared at treating a wide assortment of back conditions. Just like a physician would, the chiropractor will examine you and do a thorough assessment before he is able to diagnose the root of the problem and then take steps to remedy it. This helps him to determine what your spinal alignment is like as well as your posture. This will help him to determine if your spine is working as it should be and if it is as mobile as it should be. It also allows him a first hand look at the mechanics of how your body moves. This is not the same for every person and that is why he must observe it for himself.

Spinal manipulation should only be carried out by a trained professional. A physical examination should be conducted first to rule out contraindications. A neurological examination should be conducted to ensure that the patient does not have nerve root damage. Contraindications involve bone conditions (e.g., tumors, infection, and osteoporosis), nerve conditions, (e.g., spinal cord compression), blood vessels disorders (e.g., aortic aneurysm and severe clotting disorders), and hypermobility (e.g., lax ligament syndrome).

There is no definitive explanation for the reported beneficial effects of spinal manipulation. Various explanations have been suggested: 1) The procedure releases entrapped synovial folds; 2) Manipulation relaxes hypertonic muscles; 3) The procedure disrupts adhesions in or around the joint; 4) Manipulation realigns displaced segments; and 5) Manipulation repositions structures within the joint.

Common side effects of spinal manipulation include headache, fatigue, and pain or discomfort in the treated section of the spine. These side effects are usually temporary and do not persist longer than one or two days. There have been reports of serious adverse effects resulting from cervical manipulation. Manipulation of the cervical vertebrae has been reported to cause stroke and brain stem infarction. Rarely, manipulation of the lower spine may lead to cauda equina syndrome. This syndrome results when manipulation compresses the nerves in the lower section of the spinal cord. The symptoms include pain, weakness in the legs, loss of bowel or bladder control, and loss of feeling in the legs. The most common adverse effect of spinal manipulation is vertebral artery dissection.

Although there are pros and cons to the treatment, many people still turn to chiropractic services when they are suffering from back pain. It is a natural form of therapy that can be effective for a multitude of back conditions.

Chiropractic spinal manipulation is a popular form of back pain management because it’s natural. Other ways to treat back pain without resorting to medication and surgery include the use of a back stretching device, which extends the spine in order to relieve compression.

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