Is thoracic manipulation safe?

There appears to be very little in the research literature on the safety of TJM when applied to the thoracic spine, and indeed it appears that physical therapists may be more comfortable providing it to this area of the spine as opposed to the cervical and lumbar regions.

What is thoracic manipulation?

For the purpose of this paper, thoracic spine manipulation (TSM) is defined as a high-velocity/low-amplitude movement or “thrust” directed at any segment of the thoracic spine, including the cervicothoracic junction.

What is Cervicothoracic pain?

The cervicothoracic (CT) junction is the transitional segment between the mobile lordotic cervical and less mobile kyphotic thoracic spines and hence a potential region for stiffness [5]. Reduction in cervicothoracic junction mobility has been proposed to cause neck pain, headaches & upper limb pain [6].

How does a PT’s use of manipulation differ from a chiropractor’s manipulation?

The main difference between a physical therapist who performs manual therapy techniques and a chiropractor is the extent and focus of the treatment delivered. Chiropractors perform adjustments or manipulation for perceived spine subluxations.

What are the risks of spinal manipulation?

Approximately one half of patients who undergo spinal manipulation have mild to moderate undesirable effects; these include local discomfort (occurred in 53 percent of patients in one series of 4,712 patients); headache (12 percent); tiredness (11 percent); and radiating discomfort (10 percent).

What is the cervicothoracic region?

Abstract. Object: The cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) is the transitional region between the cervical and thoracic sections of the spinal axis. Because it is a transitional zone between the mobile lordotic cervical and rigid kyphotic thoracic spines, the CTJ is a region of potential instability.

Where does T1 nerve root exit?

intervertebral foramen
Each thoracic nerve root exits the spinal canal through a bony hole, called an intervertebral foramen. This bony hole is formed by two adjacent vertebrae, and its size and shape can slightly shift as the vertebrae move.

Is manipulation therapy the same as chiropractic?

Chiropractors rely upon a wider range of techniques for manipulating the spine; however, doctors who practice OMT use an overall wider range of techniques. A key difference between OMT and Chiropractic involves the number of visits it takes to experience relief from treatment.