Spinal manipulation is a non-surgical "hands-on" technique in which professional chiropractic specialists use leverage and exercises to adjust spinal structures and restore mobility of the back. During pain, the nerve that is interconnected with the muscles, joints, bone becomes weak and loses its ability to function. With this therapy, the nerve will be made to work normally and the blood circulation in these areas also increases.
There are two types of osteopathic manipulation — direct- and indirect- methods. In direct method, the problematic or tight tissue is moved towards the area of tightness. In indirect procedure, the doctor pushes the tight tissues away, in the opposite direction of the muscle resistance.
Osteopathic manipulation is not recommended for people having broken bone, dislocation, bone cancer, infection of the bone, damaged ligament, and for people who have recently undergone surgery and are on medicines such as aspirin and warfarin. Untoward effects of this therapy include increase in pain, headache and fatigue. However, these are of mild severity and may disappear within a day. Severe complications are very rare.
