Chiropractor harm or benefit. Treatment of the spine with manual therapy. In what cases is this technique used

Movement is life. And with a healthy spine and the absence of pain, they allow you to live a full life and enjoy every day. But as soon as any disease of the musculoskeletal system appears, a person immediately feels discomfort not only when moving, but also at rest, and sometimes excruciating pain. In this case, it is urgent to contact a qualified doctor - a chiropractor, who will help not only get rid of pain syndromes, but also eliminate their root cause. Remember, the sooner you start full competent treatment, the faster your recovery will be.

Manual therapy is the diagnosis and treatment of joints and spine, disorders in the muscular system, as well as diseases of internal organs with the help of hands.

In the process of development of modern medicine, people began to have some doubts and questions related to the impact of manual therapy on the human body. “Is manual therapy dangerous for a sick spine?”, “Does manual therapy treat the cause of pain or only relieves symptoms?”, “Does the treatment affect the whole body as a whole or only the lesion?” - these and many more questions are constantly asked by patients of our clinic who suffer from arthrosis, osteochondrosis, sciatica, neuritis, etc.

Let's still find out what is actually a myth and what is reality.

During the initial consultation without an external examination, the vertebrologist can make the correct diagnosis. No, this is not true. If at the initial consultation without an examination and additional examinations, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment, then there is a high probability that you have not come to the most experienced and conscientious specialist. Initially, the doctor should clarify the presence of concomitant symptoms - pain in the spine, numbness in the limbs, weakness, headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbance, etc. If the patient came to the appointment without pictures, then to clarify the diagnosis, it may be necessary to conduct additional examinations to confirm the diagnosis - MRI, CT, X-ray. And only on the basis of the images and conclusions of the examination, the collected anamnesis and examination, the doctor can make a final diagnosis.

Manual therapy is a type of massage . Some patients suggest that manual therapy is not just similar to massage therapy, but is also a variation of it. Actually it is not. Massage affects soft tissues - skin, fascia, muscles by stretching and rubbing, and manual therapy - on joints, bones.

By influencing the body with manual therapy, only diseases of the spine and joints can be eliminated. . Referring to statistical data, most patients turn to a chiropractor specifically with problems of the spine and joints - osteochondrosis, poor posture, sciatica, arthrosis, intercostal neuralgia and many other diseases. But manual therapy can also help with other diseases. It is for this reason that patients with various pathologies notice a significant improvement in their condition during the course of treatment. Therefore, the list of diseases in which improvement is noted is quite wide. These can be gastrointestinal disorders, such as colitis, duodenal ulcer, indigestion, constipation; respiratory diseases - bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis; diseases of the ear, throat, nose; gynecological diseases - inflammation of the appendages, polycystic ovaries, menstrual irregularities; renal disorders - urolithiasis, bladder diseases, pyelonephritis, urinary incontinence. It is very effective to use manual therapy to correct psycho-emotional disorders, restore metabolism, and eliminate obesity. You ask how with the help of hands you can influence the internal organs and the nervous system? This is explained by the fact that the internal organs of a person are reflexively connected with the spine.

When performing manipulations, a chiropractor can set a hernia . An experienced specialist not only cannot repair a hernia, but should not try to do it. For example, a sequestered intervertebral hernia, as well as osteochondrosis with radicular syndrome, are contraindications for manual therapy. Additional examinations are needed to confirm the diagnosis and exclude the intervention of a chiropractor. Among the few contraindications to manual therapy are rheumatoid lesions of the joints and spine, severe osteoporosis, tumor processes.

Manual therapy is a very painful and dangerous procedure. . In fact, manual therapy is not a dangerous procedure and does not cause pain if the technique is performed correctly. Manual manual therapy procedures are used very effectively in patients of various ages. If, nevertheless, during the session, pain, stiffness is felt, then the treatment process should not be forced. It is necessary to clarify the cause that causes pain and discomfort, to conduct therapy aimed at eliminating it.

Manual therapy - a new, modern method of treatment . In fact, manual therapy is rooted in the distant past. Even more than 2.5 thousand years ago, the founder and representative of modern medicine, Hippocrates, described in his works the methods of manual medicine. And in the countries of Asia, Europe, Egypt, even earlier works on manual therapy were found.

There are beliefs that manual therapy is very dangerous and even contraindicated in case of a sick spine . When the first pain symptoms appear in the spine, it is necessary to contact a chiropractor, but not on the advice of a girlfriend or acquaintances, but in the direction of an experienced specialist - a neurologist, an orthopedist. An examination should be carried out and the correct treatment prescribed. Quite often, we ourselves are a doctor for ourselves: we got sick, we tried massage, manual therapy, and if it didn’t work, then it doesn’t heal. Treatment should be selected individually for each patient. Only with this approach, you can achieve the maximum possible result and return to a full-fledged life full of pleasant events!

Back problems are familiar to many people of different ages firsthand. Symptoms can be different: pain in various departments, or legs, headache, tinnitus, and even blurred vision.

All this may indicate serious problems with the spine, but sometimes patients are confused and cannot figure out which specialist to contact. As practice shows, not everyone knows about manual therapists.

Who is a manual therapist?

A doctor who treats diseases of the musculoskeletal system and internal organs, acting on the patient's body with his hands or using special tools and apparatus, is called a chiropractor or chiropractor. As a rule, this is a certified orthopedist or neuropathologist.

The development of manual therapy is rooted in ancient times. The mention of it is present in various cultures of the world.

The names of the first chiropractors are not found in historical sources, however, there is an assumption that ancient hunters who used special manual techniques to treat injuries and reduce dislocations were the first to take the path of such methods.

Later, when people expanded their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, chiropractors appeared. And in the 19th century, two directions appeared: osteopaths and chiropractors.

And in the 20th century, manual therapy began to gain more and more popularity and acquire signs of modern medicine.

Quite often, in well-known manual therapy clinics, their leading specialists practice their own methods, but they base them on the basic principles of manual therapy.

Main therapeutic methods:

  • traction;
  • mobilization;
  • manipulation;
  • relaxation.

Popular areas of manual therapy:

  • Method of subcutaneous myofascial therapy. It is used for the treatment of neurological, vascular, articular diseases.
  • Method of arthro-vertebral therapy. A very effective and efficient method, however, very painful and not every patient will agree to it.
  • cranial therapy. This technique was developed for the treatment of brain diseases. Helps improve blood circulation and brain function, eliminate tension in the neck muscles.
  • Visceral Therapy. Using this technique, you can normalize the work of internal organs.

Depending on the nature and development of the disease, the course of manual therapy can last from 8 to 15 procedures. Relief occurs after 2-3 procedures.

In the process, as a rule, it should not hurt, although some discomfort will be present during certain manipulations. About what is.

When should you apply? When is spinal manipulation needed?

The most common complaints that oblige to seek help from manual therapy are:


  • Sudden sharp pains or shooting in the lumbar region.
  • Pain in the lumbar region of a protracted nature, which are caused by irritation of the nerves, nerve roots or muscles.
  • Pain in the lumbar region, which radiates to the lower extremities.
  • Painful foci between the shoulder blades.
  • Stiffness of movements large joints.
  • Complaints of pain in the heart, but the cardiogram does not reveal abnormalities.
  • Pain in the neck, that give to the hand or to the head.
  • Pain in the elbow joint(difficult to hold objects).
  • Shoulder pain(stiffness of movements, it is difficult to raise a hand).
  • Regular headaches, vestibular disorders.
  • memory problems, distraction of attention.
  • Finger numbness upper and lower limbs.
  • Pain in the coccyx(especially the pain increases when rising from a chair).
  • Superficial aching pains in the knee.
  • Pain in the hip joint and buttocks.
  • Deterioration of vision and hearing.
  • Somatic diseases.
  • Pain arising from sports overload.

Question Answer: Read here.

But contacting a chiropractor is not appropriate in all cases.

There are also contraindications for manual therapy:

  • Oncological diseases.
  • Inflammatory processes of the musculoskeletal system, which are infectious in nature.
  • Bechterew's disease (ankylosing spondylitis).
  • Recent fractures of the spine and joints.
  • Recent spinal surgery.
  • Brittle bones due to calcium deficiency.
  • Acute clinical syndromes against the background of cerebrovascular accidents.
  • Ischemia with frequent attacks of angina pectoris.
  • Diseases of internal organs in the acute stage.
  • Psychical deviations.

What does it mean if - read here.

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How is the inspection done?

The first visit to a chiropractor begins with a conversation. The specialist should collect an anamnesis of the disease. It is also expected that the patient will bring with him past research results (X-rays,) and the opinions of other specialists. Question Answer: Read here.

Since the first meeting is diagnostic in nature, this time the chiropractor will use diagnostic techniques. He will feel the spine with his hands in order to determine pathological abnormalities. Assess the condition of the muscles.

During the examination, the patient will need to change the position of the body (sit down, lie down, get up) - this is necessary for the specialist to see the big picture.

Tests to be taken

Although the patient at the first appointment with a chiropractor could already bring previous analyzes, however, they may already contain outdated information, so the following studies may be recommended to him:

  • Clinical blood test.
  • Biochemical analysis of blood, urine, feces.
  • Radiography.
  • CT scan.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging.
  • Electrocardiogram.
  • Ultrasound examination of the vessels of the head and neck.

Pain and crunch in the back over time can lead to dire consequences - local or complete restriction of movement, up to disability.

People, taught by bitter experience, use a natural remedy recommended by orthopedists to cure their back and joints...

Diagnostic methods used in the work

During the examination, the chiropractor will use different methods of palpation:

  • superficial;
  • tick-borne;
  • deep;
  • sliding;
  • plucked.

In some ways, such diagnostic methods may resemble massage, but they do not carry a therapeutic load, but only help the specialist make a diagnosis and choose a course of treatment. Although only by these methods it is already partially possible to determine the qualifications of a specialist.

What diseases does a chiropractor treat?

The help of this specialist is relevant for such diseases:

  • Intervertebral hernias of various parts of the spine.
  • Various curvatures of the spine and posture disorders (scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis).
  • Osteochondrosis of any part of the spine and its accompanying manifestations.
  • Osteoporosis.
  • Headaches, dizziness, migraines, vegetovascular dystonia.
  • post-traumatic symptoms.
  • Muscular-tonic syndromes.
  • Arthrosis of the joints. About that, read here.
  • Diseases of the respiratory, endocrine, digestive, genitourinary systems.
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

The advice of a chiropractor, like any other specialized specialist, should be heeded.


  • To live an active lifestyle.
  • Try not to slouch and keep your back straight.
  • Lift heavy objects correctly, but it is better not to lift them at all.
  • Pay due attention to therapeutic exercises.
  • Engage in healthy sports.
  • Use relaxers with a therapeutic effect.
  • If the work is sedentary, then get up and walk around more often.
  • Improve sleeping place (orthopedic mattress, pillow).
  • Talk on the phone while standing.
  • Walk up the stairs instead of using the elevator.
  • Walk more often (you can get up a couple of stops from home).
  • Use comfortable furniture at home and at work.
  • Watch your body weight, because being overweight has a negative effect on the spine.
  • Make sure your diet is balanced.
  • Avoid hypothermia, stay in dampness and drafts. In winter wear lumbar .
  • For preventive purposes, undergo a course of manual therapy every six months.

How and where to find a chiropractor?

A true chiropractor must:

  1. Have a higher medical education. Of course, there are self-taught nuggets, but the presence of diplomas and certificates is still welcome.
  2. Be able to assess the condition of the spine and muscles with your hands. Already at the first appointment, he must demonstrate what techniques he owns.
  3. Have a certain work experience and at the same time keep up with the times. Be progressive, learn new techniques, and not be exclusively devoted to the classical school of massage.
  4. Get feedback on your work. And it’s better to hear these reviews from adequate people you know live, and not just read them online (they can be written to order). But if there is no one to ask, then it is better to read reviews not on the official website of the clinic where a particular specialist works, but on third-party forums.

Spending time to make inquiries in this matter will not be superfluous. The fame of truly worthwhile chiropractors spreads quickly. Such a specialist can be recommended by the attending physician or you can search for information on city forums.

Of course, for sure, everything will become clear about a particular specialist after several sessions, and if something does not suit you, then you can always change it. But if you approach this issue thoroughly from the very beginning, you can avoid many disappointments and unnecessary costs.

Manual therapy is unlikely to cope on its own. More often, her help is resorted to in combination with drug therapy, physiotherapy, reflexology and therapeutic exercises. But a competent chiropractor in this case is worth its weight in gold!

Manual therapy is an ancient medical art. Translated from Latin means "hand treatment", in simple words, this is a treatment using massage techniques. Even ancient Greek healers used massage and some other methods to rid the patient of a variety of ailments.

According to Hippocrates himself, one of the most important areas of medicine is spinal therapy. With its help, it is possible to insert displaced vertebrae, thereby relieving the patient of diseases that, at first glance, seem to be in no way connected with the disease of the spine: pharyngitis, diseases of the kidneys and bladder, tuberculosis, etc. In addition to ancient Greece, manual therapy has found wide application among the inhabitants of China, India, the Mediterranean and Europe.

Despite its mature age, this treatment method remains one of the most common in modern medicine. Although, it is worth noting that it was not recognized until the end of the 19th century: until the world's first school for osteopaths opened in the United States of America in 1882, and in 1895 for chiropractors. Both schools studied manual therapy, but the approach to treatment was different.

Pupils of the first school sharpened their attention to physiotherapy, gymnastics and massage. In the treatment of the spine, osteopaths used the so-called “long limbs” technique, where the trunk served as one lever, and the limb served as another. As for chiropractors, they used forceful techniques.

The main disadvantage of both educational institutions was that people who did not even have a primary medical education studied in schools. Therefore, without even having basic knowledge in the field of medicine, they always called the spine the cause of any disease.

Thus, in order to eliminate a particular disease, osteopaths and chiropractors searched for and eliminated a defect in the spine (subluxations, intervertebral hernia, displacement of the vertebrae, etc.), which leads to pinching of blood vessels and nerves.

Therapeutic procedures carried out by students of both schools were aimed at special kneading, turning, pressing and other methods of repositioning displaced vertebrae. Of course, these mechanical effects of hands on organs and tissues have a positive effect and effectively affect the human body as a whole.

It should be noted that recovery does not occur due to manual therapy, but due to the individual abilities of the body to rebuild and recover under the influence of internal and external stimuli.

In the middle of the last century, a new school of manual therapy opened. But here, unlike the first two institutions, only highly qualified doctors were trained. From that moment on, manual therapy treatment became safer than before, because it was carried out only by highly qualified specialists.

As for the present, manual therapy is widely used in the medical practice of many doctors, called manual therapists. The qualification of each such specialist is confirmed by the corresponding certificate. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of manual therapy.

Disadvantages of Manual Therapy

The disadvantages of this field of medicine include the existing contraindications. So, manual therapy cannot be applied to people suffering from all types of oncological diseases, thrombosis, acute infectious diseases, increased intracranial and arterial pressure, inflammatory processes in the spinal cord and brain.

It is worth noting that improper treatment can have a deplorable effect on health. For example, to a violation of the central nervous system. Of course, a highly qualified chiropractor will not allow this.

Therefore, before you “give” the fate of your health into the wrong hands, make sure that you have come to a specialist, and not an omnipotent healer who treats patients with manual therapy methods.

Advantages of the technique

However, there is no doubt that manual therapy is useful. Moreover, the positive effect exerted during the procedures has been scientifically proven and confirmed. Perhaps the main advantage of this field of medicine is the ability to instantly eliminate pain. In addition, manual therapy can be easily combined with medical treatment prescribed by a doctor. Moreover, the positive effect of such treatment will be several times higher. But a positive result of applying the technique will be only if a professional works with you. In this case, the benefits that spinal therapy with hands gives are really great.

So we talked about what manual therapy is, the benefits or harms of it. If you decide to improve yourself with the help of manual therapy methods, then you need to remember the following:

1. Treatment can be carried out only after studies that will help identify possible contraindications;

2. Health, and life along with it, can only be entrusted to certified, qualified specialists;

3. During treatment, strictly follow all instructions given to you by your doctor. Otherwise, it may end badly for you.

Currently, there is practically no such person who would not be bothered by problems with the spine. This is not surprising, given the modern computer age. Who, on duty, and who, of their own free will, is forced to sit for hours at a computer. Where is here to avoid diseases of our main core. There are a huge number of methods and ways to treat such problems. In the article we will try to figure out how it can help with osteochondrosis

What is the basis of manual therapy

The doctor sets himself the task of restoring motor function and returning mobility between the vertebrae. With osteochondrosis, pinching of nerve endings occurs and the mobility of some parts of the spine is impaired. With such a picture is observed in the cervical region.

If nothing is done, then the sprain of the spine becomes more and more unstable, and this can lead to subluxation. Manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical region aims to eliminate these problems.

The manual therapist uses several techniques:

  • Mobilization relaxes the neck and shoulder girdle.
  • Direct contact in the form of punches, twists, bends and straightening has great advantages in the formation of joints and vertebrae.
  • indirect contact.

During the procedure, the doctor influences various reflex zones, receptors located in the muscles, tendons, ligaments. Manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine helps not only to relax the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle, but also to improve blood circulation and lymph flow.

How can manual therapy help?

According to statistics, almost more than half of office employees who are forced to sit at computers all day, suffer from cervical osteochondrosis, and in a rather neglected form.

This disease brings a lot of health problems, so the main task of manual therapy is as follows:


To help manual therapy, a complex of therapeutic exercises is prescribed, which will help bring the muscular system in order.

Indications for manual therapy

Manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has a variety of indications, most often it is prescribed for the following conditions:

  • Pain in the thoracic spine, which radiate to the region of the heart, with a normal cardiogram.
  • Pain in the cervical spine.
  • Sharp pain in the back.
  • Chronic inflammatory processes in the lumbar region.
  • Osteochondrosis.
  • Scoliosis.
  • Protrusions of the intervertebral discs.
  • Intervertebral hernia.
  • Spondylarthrosis.
  • Syndrome of the lumbar artery.
  • Vegetovascular dystonia and many others.

Only a doctor prescribes such a procedure, and it is desirable that it be carried out by a real specialist in his field, so as not to cause even more harm to your health.

How is the session going?

First of all, when the patient comes to the session, the doctor asks him to lie down on the couch. In order for all manipulations to give the maximum effect, you need to relax and breathe slowly and evenly.

A traumatologist carefully examines the condition of the spine, ligaments and muscles, as well as joints with the help of hands. If a specialist has extensive experience in this matter, then even without an X-ray it is not difficult for him to determine the places of the greatest clamping, inflammation, but it is better to go to a chiropractor already with pictures.

If there are problems with the spine, then manual therapy is quite capable of helping. The photo shows that the doctor performs a light massage at the beginning of the session to relax.

Gradually, all movements become more tangible, the doctor presses them harder, makes turns of the patient's neck. At this time, the appearance of a crunch is considered normal. Usually after this, the pain becomes noticeably weaker.

The frequency of sessions depends on many factors and is prescribed by a doctor. Usually, the procedure needs to be repeated every 3-4 days, in some cases, when the patient perfectly tolerates the effect of a chiropractor on his spine, you can visit the office every day.

It must be remembered when going to an appointment that sessions can be quite painful, especially at the very beginning. Usually this phenomenon is short-lived, but if the pain is severe, it is difficult to bear, it is necessary to tell the doctor.

To increase the effectiveness of manual therapy, physiological procedures are often prescribed simultaneously with it. Together, these treatments give good results.

Patient behavior after the procedure

After the session, the patient should not instantly jump up and run home. The body needs rest, and the spine can be immobilized with a special corset.

All tilts of the head, sudden movements and turns in the cervical region should be excluded. After the session, in some cases, there may be some increase in pain caused by exposure to tissues. To remove it, you can take an anesthetic drug.

Contraindications to the use of this treatment method

Despite the great benefits, manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has the following contraindications:

  1. old age.
  2. The presence of a tumor in the brain or spinal cord.
  3. Inflammatory processes of a non-specific nature in the spine, for example, tuberculous spondylitis, rheumatism.
  4. Meningitis, encephalitis.
  5. After surgery on the spine.
  6. If there are fragments of hernias.
  7. Having an acute infection.
  8. High blood pressure.
  9. Exacerbation of chronic diseases in the form of hepatitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis.
  10. Recent heart attack or stroke.
  11. Vascular diseases.

There are also relative contraindications, in which the use of manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is decided in each case individually.

These include:

  • Exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis.
  • Instability of some parts of the spine.
  • Anomalies of the spinal column, for example, vertebral fissure, sacralization.
  • Forstier's syndrome.
  • 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
  • Confluent fractures of the spine.

A real specialist will never conduct a session if there are at least some contraindications.

Complications after the procedure

If you do not conduct a thorough diagnosis before going to a chiropractor, then you can get various complications after the procedure, the most common may be the following:

  • Hypermobility of the spine as a result of abnormally mobile ligaments.
  • Spinal fracture.
  • Ligament rupture.
  • Bleeding.

If you have no contraindications to the session, but during it you feel severe pain, discomfort, and after all the manipulations your whole body hurts and it is impossible to get up, then you must refuse the services of this doctor or discuss with him all your discomfort. Only in this way can you avoid many complications.

According to the survey, 15% experienced dizziness after the procedure, 5% experienced increased spinal mobility, 22% experienced increased pain, and 7% experienced disease progression. Here are some side effects of manual therapy for cervical osteochondrosis. The pros and cons must be weighed before embarking on such a procedure.

The dangers of manual therapy

Analyzing all the complications and undesirable consequences of manual therapy, we can conclude that this is not a panacea for all diseases, but rather a roulette. Those who are lucky enough to find an excellent specialist and go through all the procedures for the benefit of the body will be one step closer to their recovery.

At present, even in medical circles there is no clear answer about the benefits and harms of such treatment. The danger of manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical region is also fraught with the fact that there are a lot of private clinics and medical centers, but this is not a guarantee that real professionals work in them.

If you have back pain, you should not rush to such doctors, it is better to undergo a full diagnosis and find out the cause of the pain, and then engage in treatment. A real expert in his field with his hands will already be able to determine the place with pathological processes and choose the most appropriate methods for their elimination. But an amateur in this matter, even with minor problems, can do more harm to the body and aggravate the situation.

How to choose a doctor?

A chiropractor is a doctor just like any other. This specialization involves an in-depth study of neurology, diagnostics and other sections of manual therapy.

When choosing a doctor, you need to make sure that he has a certificated qualification and can use manual manipulation techniques. Given that educational institutions began to train such specialists no more than 10 years ago, we can conclude that their number is not so large, so it is quite possible to run into a charlatan. Manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical region has positive reviews only if a real professional is engaged in the spine.

Getting to such doctors, patients are completely satisfied with the result and can confidently recommend them to their friends and relatives.

Prevention of osteochondrosis

You will not need manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical region, if you are engaged in the prevention of this disease. It includes the following activities:

  1. Physical activity.
  2. Performing special exercises to strengthen the muscles of the neck.
  3. A diet with enough vitamins, minerals and proteins.
  4. To give up smoking.
  5. Periodic self-massage of the neck.
  6. Sleep on an orthopedic mattress and pillow.
  7. Regular medical examinations.

If you follow these simple rules, then no osteochondrosis will be terrible.

Quite often, manual therapy is used for osteochondrosis. It is often prescribed for damage to the cervical segment of the spinal column and less often when a disease of the lumbar or thoracic region is diagnosed. Unlike massage, this procedure has an effect not only on muscle tissue, but also on the vertebrae, therefore it is considered more effective in the fight against spinal ailment.

What is the essence of the technique?

Treatment of osteochondrosis with manual therapy allows you to restore the impaired functioning of the spine, the joints and muscles surrounding it. With the help of movements made by a specialist, it is possible to return the vertebrae to a healthy anatomical position. During manipulations, the patient's pain syndrome decreases, the mobility of the spinal column improves. In addition, due to the procedure, the number of medications prescribed to the patient is reduced. In some situations, drugs can be completely abandoned. Manual impact on the spine helps to improve blood circulation, deliver oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas of the spinal column.

The benefits and harms of manual therapy for osteochondrosis

Manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the most effective. However, it is also used for diseases of the thoracic and lumbar regions. With the help of the procedure, degenerative processes in cartilaginous tissues are suspended, the manifestation of symptoms caused by diseases is reduced. An experienced chiropractor, who performs the procedure for ailments of the thoracic segment, eliminates not only the pain syndrome, but also restores the activity of internal organs. In addition, the technique allows you to save the patient from constant pain in the head, spasms of muscle tissue in the neck. Manual massage makes it possible to improve the mobility of the spinal column and return the former sensitivity to the upper and lower extremities.


After the procedure, the patient may experience nausea.

However, the technique also has disadvantages, which most often manifest themselves in the form of nausea. Other complications are less common:

  • spinal hypermobility;
  • bone fractures;
  • vomit;
  • pinched hernia of the spinal column;
  • muscle pain;
  • ligament rupture;
  • vertebral displacement.

When are they assigned?

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar, cervical or thoracic spine with the help of manual therapy is carried out in the following situations:

  • acute pain syndrome, which is permanent;
  • a significant violation of posture that arose due to osteochondrosis;
  • asymmetry of the limbs or shoulder blades;
  • spasms of muscle tissue;
  • ineffectiveness of methods of conservative therapy and massage.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that manual therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is widely used in medical practice, it also has contraindications. Treatment of all parts of the spinal column is not prescribed when the patient is diagnosed with the following conditions:


Contraindication is high blood pressure.
  • pathologies of an infectious nature;
  • cancerous diseases;
  • alcohol intoxication;
  • inflammatory diseases;
  • early postoperative period;
  • dystrophic lesions of the spinal cord, which are non-inflammatory in nature;
  • period of pregnancy;
  • anomalies in the structure of the spinal column;
  • elevated blood pressure;
  • inflammation of the joints;
  • degenerative-dystrophic changes in joints;
  • complications caused by the development of an intervertebral hernia.

If the patient has temporary contraindications, the use of manual therapy is postponed until the moment the person's health condition is completely normalized.

How is the treatment going?

Initially, the patient will need to lie on the couch. It is important to relax as much as possible, breathe calmly and measuredly. The chiropractor begins to examine and study the state of the spinal column, as well as the joints and ligaments surrounding it. The specialist begins the session with a light massage, gradually increasing the intensity of movements. The therapist puts more pressure on the vertebrae, begins to push them, turns the patient's neck. Sometimes there may be a crunch of the spine. It is important to keep in mind that such a reaction is considered physiologically determined and should not cause concern.


For a complex effect on the problem, the patient is prescribed certain drugs.

How to behave after the session?

After manual therapy of the cervical spine or its other segments has been carried out, the patient is forbidden to immediately get up and go home. Doctors recommend within 10 minutes. stay in a supine position so that the body and the spinal column have a little rest. In addition, after the manipulation, the person will need to wear a special orthopedic corset. If cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed, then a collar is used for these purposes, which reduces the inclinations, movements and turns of the neck.

If the therapy for the disease of the lumbar spine was carried out, only a corset is put on the torso. Your healthcare professional can help you choose the right orthopedic appliance. Since after the procedure, some patients experience back pain, which is caused by exposure to the spine, doctors recommend using painkillers. Most often they prescribe "Analgin" or "Ketanov".

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