Even though conservative chiropractic care is usually effective in a majority of spinal conditions, patients occasionally have spinal problems that do not allow a doctor to effectively manipulate the joints of the spine. The solution for this is a manipulation under anesthesia (MUA).
“If there are restrictions in the spine such as a build-up of scar tissue, chronic muscle spasms or super sensitivity in the injured area, a MUA can be recommended,” explained Dr. Nathan Kaner, a chiropractor and founder of Another Health Level in Delray Beach, Florida, in an interview with Suite101 on November 8, 2008.
What is a Manipulation Under Anesthesia, or MUA?
MUA is not an invasive surgery, it is simply spinal manipulation and mobilization performed in an operating environment. It is somewhat similar to what is done in a chiropractor’s office, but with the additional aid of anesthesia.
“The actual adjustments are very gentle, since there is little or no muscle tension resistance,” Dr. Kaner said.
What Happens During MUA?
An intravenous (IV) catheter is inserted in the patient’s arm and a small amount of anesthesia is administered by a licensed anesthesiologist.
The procedure usually lasts 15 minutes per area. After the patient has fallen asleep, the muscles and joints in the dysfunctional area are stretched and manipulated.
The patient wakes up quickly thereafter and is monitored by qualified personnel until ready to be discharged. In many cases, an MUA is repeated between 2 to 4 days later.
Usual Results
The patient should experience immediate increase in range of motion, even though there is usually some temporary additional muscle tenderness similar to the feeling of having competed strenuous exercise. If not immediate, sometimes the relief is slightly delayed.
Who Shouldn’t Have an MUA
Dr. Kaner says some patients may not be recommended for an MUA if they have certain pre-conditions. These include osteoporosis and other bone weakening disease, heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, advanced age, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, or a history of stroke and other circulatory diseases.
Common Conditions for MUA
Among the most common reasons for MUA -- or any spinal adjustment, according to chiropractors -- is neck and lower back pain, chronic muscle pain and inflammation, acute and chronic back spasm, decreased joint range of motion, chronic fibrositis, sciatica, chronic tension headaches, stable spondylolithesis, and piriformis syndrome.
Advantages of Spinal Manipulation
With or without anesthesia, a spinal manipulation is needed when joints in the spine or vertebral column become locked or fixed or restricted and are less movable, D. Kaner said.
Doctors call the results of dysfunctional joints the “subluxation complex.” Another name for a malfunction of joint motion is articular dyskenesia.
“Chiropractors attempt to restore the function to previously movement impaired joints in order to eliminate the subluxation complex that impedes recovery toward healing and health,” Dr. Kaner says.
“MUA is just another way to achieve that goal when patients have impediments, such as extreme sensitively, to having a regular adjustment.”
