Spinal Manipulation
Written by Jack Porter - Trainee Underwriter - Casualty
Spinal manipulation is a technique where medical practitioners use their hands to apply a controlled, high-velocity, low-amplitude manual thrusts to spinal joints that extend slightly beyond their physiological range of motion.
Manipulation reduces pain in the spine and joints, increasing range of motion. It resets the position of the spinal cord and nerves, allowing the nervous system to function optimally and improve the body's biomechanical functioning.
Approximately one half of patients who undergo spinal manipulation have mild to moderate undesirable effects. The most frequently described adverse events are:
local and radiating discomfort
headaches
tiredness
stroke
vertebral artery dissection
Serious adverse consequences are reported in several cases:
death
dislocation
paralysis
vertebral fracture
stroke
Only registered chiropractors, medical practitioners, osteopaths and physiotherapists are permitted to manipulate the cervical spine when treating patients.
The treating professional should seek explicit client consent for any cervical procedure on each occasion such a procedure is performed.
Physiotherapists are required to maintain competence in these areas due to the risk of symptoms.
Appropriate training in cervical manipulation will include developing an understanding of the indications and contraindications, in-person training in how to perform techniques both safely and effectively, and the place of manipulative techniques in spinal management.
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