Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation, also called osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) or manual therapy, is a non-invasive diagnosis and hands-on therapy that integrates osteopathy, chiropractic therapy and physical therapy. OMT is used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness or injury. In certain cases, it can be used as an alternative, or in conjunction with, medication or surgery. Spinal manipulation is one technique from the spectrum of manual therapies that is most often used to treat pain in the neck or back, although it also can relieve discomforts of the musculoskeletal system, which includes all of our joints and muscles, throughout the body. This therapy uses mobilization and manipulation techniques to help restore full movement to restricted joints, as well normal elasticity to muscles and other soft tissues. Restoring mechanical and soft tissue balance benefits the structures of the entire body and its physiological mechanisms.

Numerous studies have investigated the effects of spinal manipulation for lower back or neck pain. Although the results are mixed, several studies have shown that, generally, spinal manipulation is a safe and effective alternative or complement to drugs and surgery traditionally used to treat these conditions. Research also has shown that patients with neck or back pain who receive spinal manipulation recover faster and use less medication and physical therapy, reducing both costs to the patient, as well as the risks associated with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which are commonly prescribed for spine-related pain.

At the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at UCSF Medical Center, you will be treated by a board-certified medical doctor who incorporates osteopathic manipulative treatment into his spectrum of care. Osteopathic doctors are similar to other medical doctors in that they are medically trained and licensed to perform surgery and radiology, can prescribe medication and can specialize in any area of recognized medicine. However, they have additional training in manual therapies, which makes them more attuned and experienced in regards to problems affecting the musculokeletal system. Like all doctors at the Osher Center, osteopathic doctors focus on the entire person to provide care and respect your body as an integrated whole. Rather than simply treating your symptoms, they investigate and treat the underlying causes of your discomfort. In doing so, they assess your physical condition as well as other external factors such as your family life, job and stress level.

For more information or to make an appointment, please contact the Osher Center:

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 29, 2007