Expanding the World of Chiropractic
with Sedation Chiropractic
Traditional chiropractic will always be my first choice of care. In any career, however, continuing education is most important to be able to offer an alternative choice of care by learning new techniques in our areas of expertise.
What is Sedation Chiropractic?
I have recently become certified in what is actually an "old" medical procedure that has been around since the late 1930's. It is a procedure that has been performed by osteopaths and orthopedic surgeons for years, called MUA (Manipulation Under Anesthesia), also known as Sedation Chiropractic. A report completed in 2002 on the assessment of the MUA procedures by Kohlbeck and Haldeman confirmed that this medical procedure has been around for over 40 years.
Medical acceptance has increased with new case studies and new medical research involving this procedure, which now includes uses in chiropractic care. MUA has been accepted by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). The AMA medical code book is written by a medical panel and Manipulation Under Anesthesia has been included in this code book.
Why Sedation Chiropractic?
Now, why would a chiropractor have to anesthetize a patient for specific chiropractic adjustments? I wondered about this for years, so I decided to take the course and see what this was all about.
The course was an extremely well-organized, professional program. It was taught by Dr. Gordon of Cornerstone Professional Education, Inc. Dr. Gordon is well educated in the medical and pharmacological aspects of this procedure. The course was so interesting and it made so much sense.
While the Manipulation Under Anesthesia is not for every patient (please check with your chiropractor for the contraindications for this procedure), it has been proven to be effective with chronically symptomatic patients who have reached a plateau in their conservative care, or someone that would like to avoid having surgery. Some of the indications are chronic disc problems, bulging or herniated disc without fragmentation, fibro adhesions (possibly from a past surgery), chronic myofascitis, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches.
The studies have shown a big reduction in pain, decreased medication, and increased function. For this reason, Manipulation Under Anesthesia is not considered an "experimental" procedure. It is a multidisciplinary procedure that takes place in a reputable surgical center. The patient is under the care of an anesthesiologist, an osteopathic medical doctor, a registered nurse, and two chiropractors.
The Sedation Chiropractic Process
Why is it necessary for a patient to have sedation to under go spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) and adjustment? First, it is important to note that the sedation is "twilight" (as opposed to general) anesthesia. This sedation helps to decrease and take away the muscle spasms and pain that get in the way of their normal ROM (range of motion) and the adjustment. The sedation and the adjustment help in assisting the physician to break up the joint adhesions, increases joint function and mobility, helps remold collagen fibers, and reduce or eliminate pain without the patient resistance. For a patient to benefit from the full effects of the procedure, it must be performed for three consecutive days.
The post-care is the most important part of the entire process. In the first week following the Manipulation Under Anesthesia, the patient receives light adjustments, physical therapy, and the same manual stretching and ROM that is performed while under the anesthesia. The physical therapy consists of electrical muscle stimulation, light massage, and ice. During the second week the adjustments and therapy continue but the patient is then instructed on an exercise program that they continue to do at home.
For more information about Sedation Chiropractic and for insurance eligibility please contact us at 305-458-3525 or click here to use our contact form.
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Testimonial
I visited Dr. June Gentle for the first time on December 2007. At the time, I was suffering from very sharp pain, starting on my lumbar area and extending through my left leg, all the way down to the toes.
The purpose of my visit was to receive Manipulation Under Anesthesia (M.U.A.), from which I had recently heard and read about. I received the treatment that December 20, 21, and 22. I need to say that it was the most amazing treatment I have ever received until now.
The first day of the manipulation -December 20th-I evaluated my pain on level 8 on a scale of 0 to 10. The last day -December 22nd-before starting my last manipulation I was on level 0. It was shockingly unbelievable to me. After eighteen months of great pain I woke up pain free, as if I had never had a lumbar problem before.
Abiezer Amude
Miami, FL
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