From the Research
Indications for Cervical Spinal Manipulation (CSM)
The clear indications for maximum benefit from cervical spinal manipulation (CSM) are not well-established due to limited scientific evidence. However, some studies suggest that CSM may be beneficial for:
- Patients with cervical radiculopathy, as it may provide short-term relief from neck pain and radicular symptoms 1, 2
- Patients with neck pain and muscle-tension headache, as it may provide short-term benefits for some patients 3
- Patients with subacute or chronic neck pain, as it may improve pain status compared to other therapies such as muscle relaxants or usual medical care 3
Conditions that may Benefit from CSM
Some conditions that may benefit from CSM include:
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Neck pain
- Muscle-tension headache
- Subacute or chronic neck pain
Important Considerations
When considering CSM, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, including:
- Arterial dissection or spasm
- Lesions of the brain stem
- Vertebral artery damage
- Death (although rare) 4, 3
Treatment Approaches
A multimodal approach, including CSM, physical therapy, and exercise, may be beneficial for patients with cervical radiculopathy and associated neck pain 2, 5. However, the effectiveness of individual treatments is controversial, and more research is needed to determine the best nonoperative therapy for cervical radiculopathy.