What Is Spinal Manipulation Therapy

QI Spine Clinic, 2 weeks ago

Spinal manipulation is also known as spinal manipulative therapy or chiropractic adjustment. It is a manual treatment method that includes improvement of spinal function, reduction of pain, and also promotion of general health. Application of controlled forces to the spinal joints helps in the re-establishment of proper alignment and motion. Such treatment relieves pressure off the joints, thereby reducing inflammation, which avoids malfunctioning of nerves. It was primarily used to relieve tension from back, neck, and shoulder muscles. This technique represents the fundamental process of chiropractic therapy, even though osteopathic and physical therapists can perform it, among others.

What Does It Involve?

There are over 100 different spinal manipulations used by chiropractors. Some involve force and twisting, while others are gentler. They also include the use of ice, heat therapy, electric stimulation, traction devices, and ultrasound. Most procedures take place on a padded, sectional table that has sections that drop during adjustments. Chiropractors, in spinal manipulation, apply a quick, controlled force to the joints of the spine that can cause popping noises. Spinal mobilization puts less force into the thrust and involves some stretching. One method uses an “activator,” a small device that imparts a force directly on just one vertebra. Spinal adjustments are also performed by osteopaths and some physical therapists.

Which Diseases Might Spinal Manipulation Be Used to Treat?

Spinal manipulation is primarily used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those related to the spine. Key conditions include:

• Low Back Pain: One of the most common reasons that people seek out spinal manipulation is that it relieves pain, enhances mobility, and functionality. 

• Neck Pain: The spinal adjustment may improve neck pain by increasing ranges of motion, reducing muscle tension.

• Headaches: Spinal manipulation reduces the frequency and intensity of tension headaches and migraines because misalignments are corrected, which otherwise would put more stress or tension on the nerves leading to irritation.

• Sciatica: Sciatica radiating pain down the leg from the lower back can be relieved by lessening the compression on nerves through spinal adjustment.

• Herniated Discs: It can help manage symptoms of herniated discs, pain, numbness, weakness, through improvement in the alignment of the spine.

• Whiplash and Other Injuries: Spinal manipulation, performed after an accident or any type of trauma, helps reinstate normal motion and function to the spine and reduces pain in it.
• Scoliosis: Although it cannot cure scoliosis, spinal manipulation can help manage pain and improve spinal function.

These conditions benefit from spinal manipulation through pain relief, improved mobility, and enhanced overall spinal health.

Is it Safe?

Spinal adjustment, if done by a qualified, trained, and licensed professional, is relatively safe. Serious complications are very rare and have specific cases of  herniated disks, compressed nerves, and even strokes after neck adjustments. There are also conditions that clearly advise against spinal manipulation by some people, specifically those with severe osteoporosis, those at an increased risk of stroke, spinal cancer, and those having unstable spines. Also, patients experiencing tingling sensation, numbness, or weakness in an arm should be excluded from such treatments. Spinal manipulation is controversial for non-musculoskeletal conditions due to the potential for harm with no apparent long-term benefits.

Benefits of Spinal Manipulation

Reviews of manipulative therapy, particularly spinal manipulation, are generally positive, with many patients reporting significant improvements in pain levels, mobility, and quality of life. There are many manipulative therapy benefits associated with spinal manipulation that include:

• Pain Relief:  Probably the most significant advantage of spinal manipulation is pain relief, mainly in the region of the lower back and neck. This will provide immense pain relief by relieving pressure off nerves by appropriately realigning the spine.
• Improved Mobility: Spinal manipulation improves joint function and increases motion, allowing patients to move with broader ranges of motion and with less discomfort.
• Enhanced Nervous System Function: Proper spinal alignment will ensure perfect functioning of the nervous system. It can bring a wide array of benefits of improved health and wellness since it controls diverse functions of the body.
• Non-Invasive Treatment: Spinal manipulation is a non-surgical and drug-free treatment option, making it an attractive alternative for those seeking natural remedies for their conditions.

Conclusion

One of the many effective and adaptable manual therapy techniques for treating musculoskeletal and spinal conditions is spinal manipulation. By correcting spinal misalignments, practitioners can alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall health.  This can offer a holistic approach to handling and preventing spinal problems for long-term wellness with high quality of life as several techniques and many forms of treatment are possible by utilizing such spinal manipulation.