What Is MUA ? Manipulation Under Anesthesia

Manipulation Under Anesthesia - Description

Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is a non-invasive out-patient procedure offered for acute and chronic pain conditions. It treats pain arising from the neck, mid to low back regions, sacroiliac, pelvic, hip, knee and shoulders. It is also treats muscle spasm, shortened muscles, fibrous adhesions and long term, chronic pain syndromes.

Patients selected for MUA have usually already received physical therapy, chiropractic care, or other, invasive and non-invasive pain management interventions with limited or no improvements in symptoms.

MUA is generally performed daily for 1 to 3 consecutive days in a surgical outpatient center by board-certified, licensed physicians who have completed specialized training, and obtained the certification specific to this procedure.

Guidelines support the need for an anesthesiologist, nurse, a primary chiropractic physician and a second assist chiropractic physician for each procedure. Approximately 10- 20 minutes are 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 or Inflammation
• Acute and Chronic Muscle Spasm
• Decreased Spinal Range of Motion
• Chronic Fibrositis
• Nerve Entrapment or Damage
• Sciatica
• Disc Herniations or Bulges
• Failed Back Surgery
• Chronic Occipital or Tension Headaches
• Conditions where narcotic pain relievers are of little benefit
• Traumatic Torticollis
• Shoulder, Wrist, Knee or Foot Conditions

Following an MUA procedure, the patient should experience an immediate increase in range of motion, with some temporarily muscle soreness. 

Important post operative care includes a clinical course of rehabilitation; one to two weeks after the MUA procedure, and lasts for 4 to 6 weeks. Rehabilitation consists of physical therapy, physiotherapy, massage, stretches and manipulation, which combine to maintain vital joint mobility and avoid readhesion of fibrotic tissues.