When Should You Not Receive Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation?

Chiropractic spinal manipulation is a complex clinical skill that should only be delivered by an appropriately trained manual therapist. Chiropractors spend many hours undergoing dedicated education regarding spinal manipulation and other treatment techniques. As well as this, under national law it is required that Chiropractors continue to perform yearly education which ensures we remain at the forefront of the latest modalities, research, therapies and much more. Although Chiropractic spinal manipulation is an extremely safe therapy it is important to recognize individual cases that should not receive it. Here we will explore some of these potential reasons.

Chiropractic spinal manipulation is used for a variety of reasons. It is a brilliant technique to assist with improving joint mobility, flexibility, reducing associated muscle spasm, reducing pain and enhancing posture just to name a few. As discussed, this treatment technique is not suitable for every case. If you’re suffering any of the below problems it is important that you discuss these with your chosen Chiropractor prior to management:

Contraindications To Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation

• If you have presence of significant cardiovascular disease predisposing risk factors. These risk factors include but are not limited to vertebral artery insufficiency, long history of smoking and individuals on prescription blood thinning medications
• If you have history of bone related changes including Osteoporosis, Arthritis or other degenerative type diseases
• If you have presence of space-occupying lesions such as tumours or abnormal growths
• If you suffer from particular congenital abnormalities
• If infection is present
• If you suffer symptoms that are associated with visceral dysfunction. These types of problems can often mimic spinal related problems and immediate emergency referral may be indicated
• If you suffer bilateral extremity symptoms such as numbness, weakness, tingling and urinary incontinence
• If particular neurological and orthopaedic tests during a specific Chiropractic assessment have been demonstrated as being positive
• If you have not noted any improvement following a schedule of Chiropractic spinal manipulation alternative treatment options should be investigated
• If you have had previous spinal surgery
• Structural problems such as Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
• If you have had previous acute trauma including fracture, dislocation or complete break
• If you suffer from generalized hypermobility syndrome. Chiropractic spinal manipulation may worsen your hypermobility
• If you have had a previous aneurysm
• If you have a present upper motor neuron disorder

The Importance Of Proper Clinical Assessment

As you can see from the above list there are many factors involved in deciding whether Chiropractic spinal manipulation is suitable for an individual. This highlights the importance of taking a thorough history and completing a comprehensive spinal analysis. Chiropractors also use a range of techniques aside from spinal manipulative therapy.