Should we abandon cervical spine manipulation for mechanical neck pain? Yes
updated
Wand BM, Heine PJ, O'Connell NE. Should we abandon cervical spine manipulation for mechanical neck pain? Yes. BMJ. 2012;344:e3679. PubMed #22677796.
Tags: treatment, chiropractic, spinal adjustment, neck, manual therapy, controversy, debunkery, spine, head/neck
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Extremely well-written position paper this tired old controversy.
original abstract
Cervical spine manipulation (a high velocity, low amplitude, end range thrust manoeuvre) is a common treatment option for mechanical neck pain yet may carry the potential for serious neurovascular complications, specifically vertebral artery dissection and subsequent vertebrobasilar stroke. The non-superiority of manipulation to alternative treatments, coupled with concerns regarding safety, renders cervical spine manipulation unnecessary and inadvisable.
related content
Specifically regarding Wand 2012:
One article on PainScience.com cites Wand 2012 as a source:
- PS Does Chiropractic Work? — An introduction to chiropractic controversies like aggressive billing, spinal adjustment as a panacea, treating kids, neck manipulation risks, and more
