Conditions

Spinal manipulation, or manual therapy in general, can be used as a therapy for numerous pain problems of the musculoskeletal systems, which can be associated with other disorders such as asthma, menstrual pain, headaches, sinus disorder and carpal tunnel. However, the therapy is most often used to treat back and neck pain. Four out of five adults will suffer from at least one bout of back pain at some time in their life. Bearing most of the weight and stress, the lower back is the most common site for pain. An estimated 65 million Americans suffer from lower back pain each year. Back pain can occur for no apparent reason or as the result of a mechanical injury. Frequent causes of lower back pain may include osteoarthritis, poor or increased muscle tone, muscle strains, excess weight and improper or heavy lifting. Poor posture and sitting or standing in one position for a long time also can put extra stress on your back.

In addition to back pain, spinal manipulation can be used to treat the following:

• Acute and chronic musuloskeletal pain, especially around the spine
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Sciatica

Evaluations

At your initial consultation, the osteopathic doctor will first ask you about your health concerns and determine how your symptoms can best be treated with manual therapy. You then will have a structural exam, during which the doctor will assess your posture, spine and balance. He or she will check your back, extremities, muscles, tendons and ligaments for tenderness as well as your joints for restriction during movement. Based on your medical history, as well as your physical and mechanical findings, the doctor will decide whether spinal manipulation or manual therapy is an appropriate treatment for you. A treatment plan will be designed to meet your specific needs.

Treatment

During a spinal manipulation treatment, your osteopathic doctor may perform specific manipulations to release pressure in your affected joints, align your muscles and joints and improve blood circulation to maintain and restore health.

Your visit also may include gentle stretching and mobilizing techniques, exercises and discussion about what you can do to alleviate symptoms and improve your overall health and quality of life. Osteopathic doctors work to identify and treat the underlying causes of poor health and function in each patient. Depending upon the severity of your problem, more than one visit may be required.