Kinematics of the head and associated vertebral artery length changes during high-velocity, low-amplitude cervical spine manipulation.

Background: Cervical spine manipulation (CSM) is a frequently used treatment for neck pain. Despite its demonstrated efficacy, concerns regarding the potential of stretch damage to vertebral arteries (VA) during CSM remain. The purpose of this study was to quantify the angular displacements of the head relative to the sternum and the associated VA length changes during the thrust phase of CSM.

Biomechanical characterization of cervical spinal manipulation in living subjects and cadavers.

Background: Cervical spinal manipulative therapy (cSMT) is a common therapeutic modality used in the treatment of neck pain and headaches. Cadaveric necks have been used as a model for assessing the effects of cSMT on vertebral artery mechanics. However, there have been no previous studies comparing the biomechanical indices of cSMT performed in living subjects versus cadavers.

Preliminary report: biomechanics of vertebral artery segments C1-C6 during cervical spinal manipulation.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure strains in the human vertebral artery (VA) within the cervical transverse foramina and report the first results on the mechanical loading of segments of the VA during spinal manipulation of the cervical spine.

Methods: Eight piezoelectric ultrasound crystals of 0.5-mm diameter were sutured into the lumen of the left and right VA of one cadaver.

A review of the literature pertaining to the efficacy, safety, educational requirements, uses and usage of mechanical adjusting devices: Part 2 of 2.

Over the past decade, mechanical adjusting devices (MADs) were a major source of debate within the Chiropractors' Association of Saskatchewan (CAS). Since Saskatchewan was the only jurisdiction in North America to prohibit the use of MADs, the CAS established a committee in 2001 to review the literature on MADs. The committee evaluated the literature on the efficacy, safety, and uses of moving stylus instruments within chiropractic practice, and the educational requirements for chiropractic practice.

A review of the literature pertaining to the efficacy, safety, educational requirements, uses and usage of mechanical adjusting devices: Part 1 of 2.

Over the past decade, mechanical adjusting devices (MADs) were a major source of debate within the Chiropractors' Association of Saskatchewan (CAS). Since Saskatchewan was the only jurisdiction in North America to prohibit the use of MADs, the CAS established a committee in 2001 to review the literature on MADs. The committee evaluated the literature on the efficacy, safety, and uses of moving stylus instruments within chiropractic practice, and the educational requirements for chiropractic practice.

Internal forces sustained by the vertebral artery during spinal manipulative therapy.

Background: Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) has been established as a clinically effective modality for the management of several musculoskeletal disorders. One major issue with the use of SMT is its safety, especially with respect to neck manipulation and the risk of stroke in the vertebrobasilar system.

Objectives: Our objectives were to quantify the strains and forces sustained by the vertebral artery (VA) in situ during SMT.