Chiropractic Manipulation Under Anesthesia

Chiropractic manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is a non-invasive procedure that treats acute and chronic pain that has not responded to conventional treatment methods. MUA is also utilized to break up excessive scar tissue by orthopedic surgeons whose patients have not had optimal recovery of their joint’s range of motion (ROM). This multidisciplinary treatment is meant to improve articular and soft tissue movement using controlled release, myofascial manipulation and mobilization techniques. All of this is done while the patient is sedated using monitored anesthesia care (MAC). The patient may be asleep under general anesthesia, locally numbed through spinal injections, or mildly sedated during the procedure.

The patient normally goes through a great deal of testing before this procedure is performed to ensure that they are healthy and to fully observe the area to be treated. This allows for a smooth and safe anesthetizing of the patient and an assurance that they will receive the maximum benefit of the procedure. These exams may consist of:

• Medical history
• Physical exam
• Laboratory exam
• Radiological exam
• Electrodiagnostics
• Ultrasound

The actual MUA treatment consists of a series of stretches and artificial articulation of the patient’s joints through their full ranges of motion. Low intensity, repetitive stretching helps to break the mold of internal scar tissue that restricts movement. In other cases, high impulse velocity thrusts may be performed to break barriers on movement and naturally release scar tissue, reduce joint restriction and stretch shortened muscle fibers.

The patient will find an immediate increase in mobility following the procedure, but will likely feel drained and sore as if they had just undergone a strenuous exercise session. Rehabilitation should begin as soon as possible, with as active a program as is admissible by the patient. Rehabilitation programs may include electrostimulus, ultrasound, heating and massage.