Immediate Effects of a Single Session of Cervical Spine Manipulation on Cervical Movement Patterns in People With Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to assess the immediate effects of a single session of cervical spine manipulation on cervical movement patterns, disability, and the patient's perceived improvement in people with nonspecific neck pain.MethodsA single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial was carried out at a biomechanics institute. Fifty participants diagnosed with acute and chronic nonspecific neck pain (minimum duration of the symptoms being 1 month) were randomized to an experimental group (EG, n = 25) or a sham-control group (CG, n = 25, 23 of whom completed the study). EG received a single cervical spine manipulation session; CG received a single placebo intervention. Both groups received manipulation or sham from the same physiotherapist. Main outcome measures were neck kinematics (ie, range of motion and movement harmony) during cyclic movements, self-reported neck disability, and impression of change assessed before and 5 minutes after treatment.ResultsThe EG showed no significant improvements (P > .05) in any of the studied biomechanical variables, except for right-side bending and left rotation, in which we found a range of motion significant mean difference of 1.97° and 1.95°, respectively (P < .05). The CG showed enhanced harmonic motion during flexion (P < .05). Both groups showed a significant decrease in self-reported neck disability after treatment (P < .05), and EG participants perceived a significantly larger improvement after manipulation compared with the CG (P < .05).ConclusionsA single session of cervical manipulation provided by a physiotherapist had no impact on cervical motion during cyclic movements, but rather induced self-reported perceived improvement in neck disability and impression of change after treatment in people with nonspecific neck pain.     

The effect of manipulation on pain and range of motion in the cervical spine: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this pilot study was to determine the number of patients required for a randomized controlled trial of spinal manipulation for neck pain and to determine if there is a relationship between pain and range of motion (ROM) in the cervical spine. DESIGN: Fifty consecutive outpatients were studied in a pretest-posttest design without long-term follow-up. SETTING: The patients were taken from a primary cae outpatient teaching clinic specializing in back pain. PATIENTS: All patients had unilateral neck pain without neurological deficit. The patients were selected as a consecutive sample. INTERVENTION: All the patients received a single cervical manipulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prior to and immediately after the treatment, cervical ROM was recorded on a goniometer, and pain intensity was rated on the 101-point numerical rating scale. RESULTS: The results show an increase in all planes of post-treatment ROM and a decrease in post-treatment pain scores. Partial correlations between post-treatment ROM and 101-point numerical rating scale scores reveal a significant relationship between a decrease in pain and an increase in cervical rotation (p < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Since the results of this pilot study are not controlled, they cannot be seen as proof supporting the clinical efficacy of manipulation for neck pain. However, the correlation between an increase in cervical rotation and a decrease in pain is clinically instructive. In addition, the outcome measures used in this study could prove to be useful in the design of future randomized controlled trials of cervical manipulation.     

The Immediate Effects of Upper Thoracic Translatoric Spinal Manipulation on Cervical Pain and Range of Motion: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study examined the effect of translatoric spinal manipulation (TSM) on cervical pain and cervical active motion restriction when applied to upper thoracic (T1-T4) segments. Active cervical rotation range of motion was measured re- and post-intervention with a cervical inclinometer (CROM), and cervical pain status was monitored before and after manipulation with a Faces Pain Scale. Study participants included a sample of convenience that included 32 patients referred to physical therapy with complaints of pain in the mid-cervical region and restricted active cervical rotation. Twenty-two patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group and ten were assigned to the control group. Pre- and post-intervention cervical range of motion and pain scale measurements were taken by a physical therapist assistant who was blinded to group assignment. The experimental group received TSM to hypomobile upper thoracic segments. The control group received no intervention. Paired t-tests were used to analyze within-group changes in cervical rotation and pain, and a 2-way repeated-measure ANOVA was used to analyze between-group differences in cervical rotation and pain. Significance was accepted at p = 0.05. Significant changes that exceeded the MDC₉₅ were detected for cervical rotation both within group and between groups with the TSM group demonstrating increased mean (SD) in right rotation of 8.23° (7.41°) and left rotation of 7.09° (5.83°). Pain levels perceived during post-intervention cervical rotation showed significant improvement during right rotation for patients experiencing pain during bilateral rotation only (p=.05). This study supports the hypothesis that spinal manipulation applied to the upper thoracic spine (T1-T4 motion segments) significantly increases cervical rotation ROM and may reduce cervical pain at end range rotation for patients experiencing pain during bilateral cervical rotation.     

The Effect of Joint Manipulation Techniques on Active Range of Motion in the Mid-Thoracic Spine of Asymptomatic Subjects

Abstract

This study assesses the effect of the manipulation of restricted thoracic spine segments on thoracic active range of motion (AROM). Range of motion (ROM) is measured routinely to assess joint mobility, tissue extensibility, and function of the spine and the extremities. Manipulation has been used to restore normal joint mechanics and increase ROM. However, no research specifically shows that ROM in the thoracic spine increases after spinal manipulation. Seventy-eight healthy subjects (29 male, 49 female), ages 18-44, were divided into three categories. Group 1 was the control, group 2 received mobility testing only, and group 3 received mobility testing and joint manipulation to a restricted segment. All subjects were pre-tested for AROM of T3-T8; then either rested, received mobility tests, or were manipulated, after which post-test measurements were performed. Forward bending and side bending right and left were measured. In a comparison of pre-treatment versus post-treatment AROM, a significant difference was seen in side bending to the left only. This demonstrates that one session of manipulation techniques can influence AROM in the mid-thoracic spine.     

颈脊柱推拿对减轻慢性颈痛患者肘屈肌抑制机制研究

目的:通过对16例慢性颈痛患者进行研究,测量颈痛患者行颈脊柱推拿前后功能量和主观疼痛改变情况。方法:颈脊柱推拿选定C5-7水平,用插入颤搐方法和肌电描记法评定肘屈肌在最大范围内随意收缩时二头肌激活作用。颈活动度和压痛阈用关节角度计和痛觉计进行测量。结果:治疗前,患者表现典型的二头肌抑制,颈部活动侧面受限,压痛敏感性增高。颈脊柱推拿后,二头肌抑制明显下降并伴随二头肌肌力增强,颈部活动度和压痛阈显著提高。结论:脊柱推拿术可以提高肌肉功能、颈部活动度和疼痛敏感性。     

Immediate effects of thoracic spine self-mobilization in patients with mechanical neck pain: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo investigate the immediate effects of thoracic spine self-mobilization in patients with mechanical neck pain.Study designRandomized, controlled trial.BackgroundThoracic spine self-mobilization is performed after thoracic spine thrust manipulation to augment and maintain its effects. To the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated the effects of thoracic spine self-mobilization alone in individuals with mechanical neck pain. The purpose of this randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate the immediate effects of thoracic spine self-mobilization alone without any other intervention on disability, pain, and cervical range of motion in patients with mechanical neck pain.MethodsFifty-two patients (39 females and 13 males) with mechanical neck pain were randomly allocated to either a thoracic spine self-mobilization group that was performing a thoracic spine active flexion and extension activity using two tennis balls fixed by athletic tape or a placebo thoracic spine self-mobilization group. Outcome measures were collected at pre-intervention and immediately after intervention, including the Neck Disability Index, visual analogue scale, and active cervical range of motion (ROM). The immediate effect of the intervention was analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). If interactions were found, a simple main effect test was performed to compare the pre-post intra-group results.ResultsThe results of two-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated that the main effect of time was significant (p < 0.05) for all measurement outcomes. The main effect of group was not significant for all measurement outcomes (p > 0.05). The group × time interactions for cervical flexion active ROM (p = 0.005) and cervical extension active ROM (p = 0.036) were significant. The tests of simple main effect in cervical flexion active ROM (p < 0.0001) and cervical extension active ROM (p < 0.0001) showed a significant difference before and after intervention in the thoracic spine self-mobilization group.ConclusionPatients with mechanical neck pain who carried out thoracic spine self-mobilization showed increases in active cervical flexion and extension ROM.     

Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory burst induced by spinal manipulation: potential role of substance P.

The effect of spinal manipulation on the respiratory burst of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and monocytes from treated adults was measured by zymosan-stimulated chemiluminescence (CL). Peripheral blood was collected 15 min before and 15 min after treatment (sham manipulation, thoracic spine manipulation, or soft tissue manipulation), the cells were isolated, challenged with a standardized, opsonized luminol-containing suspension of zymosan, and monitored for CL. Plasma from two subsets of subjects was radioimmunoassayed for Substance P (SP). PMN were also preincubated with SP in vitro over the dose range 5 x 10(-12) M to 5 x 10(-8) M and the CL response monitored. The CL responses of both PMN and monocytes from subjects who received spinal manipulation were significantly higher after than before treatment, and significantly higher than the response in sham or soft-tissue treated subjects. Measurement of the force applied by sham and spinal manipulation suggested a force threshold for the enhancement of the CL response. Plasma levels of SP before and after treatment in sham treated subjects did not differ significantly; however, elevated plasma SP was observed in subjects after spinal manipulation. Preincubation of PMN with 1 x 10(-11) M, 5 x 10(-11) M or 1 x 10(-10) M SP in vitro primed PMN for an enhanced respiratory burst when the cells were subsequently challenged.     

Spinal manipulation and headaches of cervical origin

The role of the cervical spine in headache remains controversial. Often confused as tension or common migraine headache, headaches arising from the neck pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Practitioners of spinal manipulation have reported very satisfactory results, although the only published randomized controlled trial did not demonstrate that manipulation was significantly helpful. This article reviews the published clinical studies of manipulation in the treatment of tension and migraine headaches. The topic of cervical headaches in general is reviewed and the current model of cervicogenic headache is critiqued. A representative case history is used to illustrate the thesis that the current model of cervicogenic headache may be too restrictive. The role of spinal manipulation as a trial of therapy in individual patients is also discussed. a retrospective diagnosis of cervical headache can often be confirmed by a successful outcome.     

Treatment of chronic cervical-associated headache with botulinum toxin A: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To see whether therapy with botulinum toxin A may prove to be an effective treatment for headache of musculoskeletal origin. BACKGROUND: Headache is a common finding associated with neck injury. Cervicogenic headache, which is believed to be attributable to injury of the ligaments, muscles, or joints of the cervical spine, is centered in the occipital region with pain referred to the frontotemporal region. Botulinum toxin A produces prolonged muscle relaxation, which is dose dependent and can be easily targeted to affected muscles. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study compares outcome measures in 26 patients suffering from chronic headache subsequent to a cervical whiplash injury. One half of the patients received botulinum toxin A, 100 units, diluted in 1 mL of saline, while the other half received just saline (1 mL). Five cervical trigger points received 0.2 mL each of injectant via a 30-gauge needle. Outcome measures included subjective head pain based on visual analog scales, as well as range of neck motion. Follow-up assessments were carried out at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Fourteen subjects who received botulinum toxin A and 12 who received saline completed the study. At both 2 and 4 weeks post injection, the treatment group showed a significant improvement in pain and range of motion from preinjection levels (P<.01). The placebo group demonstrated no statistically significant changes at any posttreatment time.     

Comparison of the relative benefits of 2 versus 10 days of soft collar cervical immobilization after acute whiplash injury

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of 2-day and 10-day immobilization of the cervical spine on pain, range of motion (ROM), and disability of patients with Quebec Task Force (QTF) grade II whiplash injuries. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University hospital emergency department. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy patients with acute QTF grade II whiplash injuries. INTERVENTIONS: At the intake examination within 24 hours after the whiplash trauma, the patients were randomized to 2 therapy groups (2-d or 10-d immobilization with a soft cervical collar). All patients received pain drugs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and after 7 days, all patients started a standardized physiotherapy program 2 to 3 times a week. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients' pain and disability scores were assessed using visual analog scales and ROM was assessed using a goniometer. All parameters were measured within 24 hours after injury and after 2 and 6 months. RESULTS: After 2 months, the different periods of immobilization (2d or 10d) were associated with comparable improvements in pain symptoms (median, 4.60 vs 4.65), ROM (median, 100.0 degrees vs 117.5 degrees ), and disability score (median, 4.90 vs 5.15). No statistically significant differences could be identified between the 2 treatment groups. After 6 months, persistent pain was reported by 4 patients in each group (12.5%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with QTF grade II whiplash injuries, there is no short- or long-term difference between 2-day and 10-day immobilization with a cervical collar in terms of pain, ROM, or disability.     

下段颈椎脊椎功能单位活动度与椎管狭窄程度间相关性分析

目的：探讨退变性下段颈椎的脊椎功能单位（FSU）活动度与相应节段椎管狭窄程度间相关性。资料与方法：随机选取拟行手术治疗的脊髓型颈椎病病人62例。全部拍摄MRI及动力位（过伸-过屈位）颈椎侧位CR片。测量参数包括C2~C7过伸/过屈位Cobb角和,反映颈椎整体活动度;选取C3~C4、C4~C5、C5~C6三个水平的颈椎FSU过伸/过屈位Cobb角和表示FSU的节段性活动度。依据椎管狭窄等级（Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ级）,分别对该3个FSU活动度行统计学分析。结果：Ⅰ级椎管狭窄病人的C4~C5、C5~C6椎间活动度大于C3~C4水平,其中C4~C5、与C3~C4水平间显示统计学差异。C4~C5、椎间活动度在Ⅲ级椎管狭窄时显著降低,与Ⅰ级、Ⅱ级有统计学意义。8例未显示Ⅲ级椎管狭窄病人与54例Ⅲ级椎管狭窄病人的椎体整体活动度间差异无统计学意义。结论：颈椎FSU作为维持颈椎稳定性的基本单元,随着椎管狭窄程度的增加稳定性增加,但却以牺牲椎管空间为代价,出现椎管狭窄,联合应用动力位CR侧位片及MR检查在判定颈椎活动度与椎管狭窄程度间关系显示重要价值。     

Inclusion of thoracic spine thrust manipulation into an electro-therapy/thermal program for the management of patients with acute mechanical neck pain: a randomized clinical trial

Our aim was to examine the effects of a seated thoracic spine distraction thrust manipulation included in an electrotherapy/thermal program on pain, disability, and cervical range of motion in patients with acute neck pain. This randomized controlled trial included 45 patients (20 males, 25 females) between 23 and 44 years of age presenting with acute neck pain. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: an experimental group which received a thoracic manipulation, and a control group which did not receive the manipulative procedure. Both groups received an electrotherapy program consisting of 6 sessions of TENS (frequency 100Hz; 20min), superficial thermo-therapy (15min) and soft tissue massage. The experimental group also received a thoracic manipulation once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Outcome measures included neck pain (numerical pain rate scale; NPRS), level of disability (Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire; NPQ) and neck mobility. These outcomes were assessed at baseline and 1 week after discharge. A 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA with group as between-subject variable and time as within-subject variable was used. Patients receiving thoracic manipulation experienced greater reductions in both neck pain, with between-group difference of 2.3 (95% CI 2-2.7) points on a 11-NPRS, and perceived disability with between-group differences 8.5 (95% CI 7.2-9.8) points. Further, patients receiving thoracic manipulation experienced greater increases in all cervical motions with between-group differences of 10.6 degrees (95% CI 8.8-12.5 degrees) for flexion; 9.9 degrees (95% CI 8.1-11.7 degrees) for extension; 9.5 degrees (95% CI 7.6-11.4 degrees) for right lateral-flexion; 8 degrees (95% CI 6.2-9.8 degrees) for left lateral-flexion; 9.6 degrees (95% CI 7.7-11.6 degrees) for right rotation; and 8.4 degrees (95% CI 6.5-10.3 degrees) for left rotation. We found that the inclusion of a thoracic manipulation into an electrotherapy/thermal program was effective in reducing neck pain and disability, and in increasing active cervical mobility in patients with acute neck pain.     

Ultrasound Evaluation of Diaphragmatic Mobility and Contractility After Osteopathic Manipulative Techniques in Healthy Volunteers: A Prospective,Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a session of osteopathic manipulative techniques on diaphragmatic motion and thickness in healthy participants.MethodsThis was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, case vs sham vs control clinical trial performed in an outpatient osteopathic clinic in Rome, Italy. Sixty-seven healthy participants, mean age 40.4 ± 14.5 years, received an ultrasound evaluation of diaphragmatic motion and thickness, followed by a systematic osteopathic evaluation. After randomization, the experimental group (n = 22) received osteopathic manipulation, whereas the sham (n = 22) and the control (n = 22) groups had a light touch approach and simple observation, respectively. After a 1-session intervention, new osteopathic and ultrasound assessments were repeated in all participants.ResultsA statistically significant increase in diaphragmatic mobility was observed in the experimental group after the osteopathic manipulation (Δ = 14.5 mm, P < .001; analysis of variance P < .001 vs both sham: Δ = -0.22 mm, and control: Δ = -2.09 mm groups). A strong linear relationship was observed between the diaphragmatic motion gradient, measured with ultrasonography, and the score assigned by the operator evaluating the change of diaphragm mobility after intervention.ConclusionOsteopathic techniques used in this study improved the diaphragmatic motion (but not the muscle thickness) in healthy participants. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and eventually identify the clinical conditions that may benefit from osteopathic manipulative treatment of the diaphragm.     

Use of cervical spine manipulation under anesthesia for management of cervical disk herniation, cervical radiculopathy, and associated cervicogenic headache syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the benefits of cervical spine manipulation with the patient under anesthesia as an approach to treating a patient with chronic cervical disk herniation, associated cervical radiculopathy, and cervicogenic headache syndrome. CLINICAL FEATURES: The patient had neck pain with radiating paresthesia into the right upper extremity and incapacitating headaches and had no response to 6 months of conservative therapy. Treatment included spinal manipulative therapy, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and acupuncture. Magnetic resonance imaging, electromyography, and somatosensory evoked potential examination all revealed positive diagnostic findings. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Treatment included 3 successive days of cervical spine manipulation with the patient under anesthesia. The patient had immediate relief after the first procedure. Her neck and arm pain were reported to be 50% better after the first trial, and her headaches were better by 80% after the third trial. Four months after the last procedure the patient reported a 95% improvement in her overall condition. CONCLUSION: Cervical spine manipulation with the patient under anesthesia has a place in the chiropractic arena. It is a useful tool for treating chronic discopathic disease complicated by cervical radiculopathy and cervicogenic headache syndrome. The beneficial results of this procedure are contingent on careful patient selection and proper training of qualified chiropractic physicians.     

Können durch Chirotherapie neurologische Schäden hervorgerufen werden?

Complications after cervical spine manipulation are rare. In our profession as experts for medical treatment mistakes we received from 07/2002 to 02/2004 six cases with serious complications in the central nervous system after manipulation. Five vertebral artery dissections with following brain infarction and one spinal epidural hematoma with extension from the cervical to the sacral spine in temporal coherence to the manipulation were registered. In all cases the patients had a complete persisting remission of the symptoms. In a calculation model we studied possible causes for vertebral artery damage. We could demonstrate a dependence of the material extension from the cervical rotation and the “free length” of the vertebral artery in the upper cervical spine.