vertebral manipulation

[Lennyvasanthan]

words of wisdom!!!!

[Mitch]

Hello

The adverse effects of C/S manipualtion is well documented and you have an approximate 1 in 50 000 chance of doing something serious such as causing paraplegia or a stroke (look at the anatomy of the vertebral artery as it courses up the C/S). The chances of doing something serious is greatly increased without thourough training as you are likely to use a much to high application of force. Your chances of making someones neck pain is also very high.

The evidence is also very limited for C/S manipulation. That said I do appreciate that in some patients it may be warranted.

Personally I don't ever do C/S manips. I feel that the area is very easily mobilised as it is very small and there is good evidence supporting this technique that has considerably less risk.

I think as a clinician you should always use a more effective and considerably less dangerous technique. It is simple.

The T/S and the L/S are much less dangerous areas to manip and the evidence base for these areas is starting to become a little more positive. I do manip these areas however I am well trained in doing this and I wouldn't even attempt it without proper taining. You can still cause serious damage mostly in the form of quadraplegia, however very unlikely (1/ approx 400 000).

If I were interested I would consider extending your training through an advanced diplpoma or masters or some form of appropriate training. There are famous cases of therapsits being held accountable for a manip going wrong.

Cheers