What is Spinal Manipulation?

Spinal manipulation, a therapeutic intervention that has roots in traditional medicine, has been used by various cultures for thousands of years. Hippocrates, often called the "father of medicine" used manipulative techniques, as did the Egyptians and many other cultures. A modern re-emphasis on manipulative therapy occurred in the late 19th century in North America with the emergence of chiropractic and osteopathic medicine. Spinal manipulative therapy gained recognition by mainstream medicine during the 1980s.

Manipulation is known by several other names. Chiropractors often refer to manipulation of a spinal joint as an adjustment. Following the labeling system developed by Geoffrey Maitland, manipulation is synonymous with Grade V mobilization. Because of its distinct biomechanics, the term ‘High Velocity Low Amplitude (HVLA) thrust is often used interchangeably with manipulation. For neck pain, manipulation and mobilization produce similar changes, and manual therapy and exercise are more effective than other strategies. There is moderate- to high-quality evidence that subjects with chronic neck pain not due to whiplash and without arm pain and headaches show clinically important improvements from a course of spinal manipulation or mobilization.

There is not enough evidence to suggest that spinal manipulation is an effective long-term treatment for whiplash although there are short-term benefits. A great Nashua Chiropractor, Dr. Herner, can solve your issues. Give Herner Chiropractic a call today and set up an appointment. You’ll be glad you did!