MUA: Manipulation Under Anesthesia

Manipulation Under Anesthesia - Description

Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is a non-invasive procedure increasingly offered for acute and chronic conditions.

It is utilized to treat pain arising from the neck, mid to low back regions as well as the sacroiliac, pelvic, hip, knee and shoulders. It is also used to treat muscle spasm, shortened muscles, fibrous adhesions and long term pain syndromes.

In general, patients selected for manipulation under anesthesia are those who have received Physical Therapy, Chiropractic care, and/or Pain Management Intervention with limited or no improvements in symptoms or objective findings.

The procedure is generally performed daily for 1 to 3 consecutive days on an outpatient basis by Board Certified Licensed Physicians who have achieved specialized training, and certification specific for  this procedure.

Following the MUA is a clinical course of a rehabilitation regimen consisting of physical therapy, physiotherapy, massage, stretching and manipulation, necessary to maintain joint mobility and avoid re-adhesion of fibrotic tissue.

Currently, guidelines support the need for an Anesthesiologist, Nurse, a primary Chiropractic Physician and a second assist Chiropractic Physician for each of the procedures performed. Approximately 10- 20 minutes should be allotted for each session. Below are the majority of reasons as to why a person may be referred for a MUA.

Indications:

• Neck, Mid-Back and Low Back Pain
• Chronic Muscle Pain and/or Inflammation
• Acute and Chronic Muscle Spasm
• Decreased Spinal Range of Motion
• Chronic Fibrositis
• Nerve Entrapment or Damage
• Sciatica
• Disc Herniations and/or Bulges
• Failed Back Surgery
• Chronic Occipital or Tension Headaches
• Conditions where narcotic pain relievers are of little benefit
• Traumatic Torticollis
• RSD
• Shoulder, Wrist, Knee or Foot Conditions

Following the procedure, patient should experience an immediate increase in range of motion, with some temporarily muscle soreness. 
The most important post operative care is an active rehabilitation program, starting within one to two weeks after the manipulation under anesthesia procedure and lasting for a minimum of four to six weeks.