Peak Health and Wellness: Holistic and Alternative Pain Relief Options
Peak Health and Wellness is committed to providing you with a wide range of holistic and alternative options beyond what your general practitioner (GP) or surgeon can provide. These approaches often help achieve improved or longer-lasting pain relief, minimize or eliminate dependency on pharmaceuticals, and even delay or avoid surgery. One such option is Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA). This completely non-invasive treatment can help relieve chronic pain along the spine and neck, even when other, more invasive procedures have failed.
As the name implies, sedation is required for MUA. When a patient is sedated, our practitioner can perform spinal maneuvers and stretches that would otherwise be too uncomfortable or painful when the patient is alert. Pain addressed by MUA is often caused by scar tissue and/or muscle spasms. Under anesthesia, the patient can undergo this manipulation pain-free, allowing for more effective treatment.
MUA vs. Regular Manual Manipulation
You’ve probably heard about regular manipulation that isn’t performed under anesthesia, such as maneuvers performed by chiropractors and physical therapists. MUA isn’t brand new—it’s been available for decades. However, usually only specialized pain clinics provide this treatment, and it can be very effective for stubborn pain.
When spinal joints are too painful to move with regular manipulation, MUA might be an option. Scar tissue, otherwise known as fibrous adhesions, leads to chronic inflammation in nearby areas such as muscles and nerves. It might feel like these areas hurt too much to move when you’re awake, but under sedation, it is possible to move these areas without causing pain or damage. Anesthesia causes the muscles to relax and allows your pain doctor to put your joints through necessary ranges of motion. These movements can stretch and break up fibrous adhesions, making them less resistant and inflamed.
Planning for MUA
Before undergoing MUA, a thorough consultation with a qualified practitioner is necessary. This consultation will include a review of your medical history, previous treatments, and current pain levels. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may also be used to assess the condition of your spine and identify areas of scar tissue or other abnormalities.
During the procedure, the patient is typically placed under light to moderate sedation. The practitioner then performs a series of specific maneuvers designed to mobilize the joints and stretch the surrounding muscles and soft tissues. This process can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case and the areas being treated.
Benefits of MUA
The benefits of MUA can be significant for those suffering from chronic pain. These include:
- Reduced Pain: By breaking up adhesions and mobilizing stiff joints, MUA can significantly reduce pain levels.
- Improved Mobility: Increased range of motion and flexibility in the spine and surrounding tissues.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike surgical options, MUA is non-invasive and has a much shorter recovery time.
- Minimized Dependency on Medications: With pain relief and improved function, patients often find they can reduce or eliminate their need for pain medications.
Post-MUA Care and Recovery
After the MUA procedure, patients typically undergo a series of follow-up treatments to maintain the improvements achieved. These may include physical therapy, chiropractic care, or additional manual manipulation sessions. It is crucial to follow the post-procedure care plan to ensure the best possible outcomes and prevent the recurrence of pain.
Patients may experience mild soreness following the procedure, similar to the feeling after an intense workout. This is normal and usually resolves within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs can help manage any discomfort during the recovery period.
Safety and Considerations
While MUA is generally safe, it is not suitable for everyone. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as severe osteoporosis, infections, or uncontrolled hypertension, may not be candidates for MUA. It is essential to discuss your complete medical history with your practitioner to determine if MUA is a safe and appropriate treatment for your condition.
Conclusion
Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) is a valuable option for individuals struggling with chronic pain that has not responded to other treatments. Peak Health and Wellness is dedicated to offering this and other holistic and alternative therapies to help you achieve optimal pain relief and improved quality of life. By exploring all available options and working closely with our experienced practitioners, you can find the most effective path to pain management and recovery.
Peak Health and Wellness is committed to providing you with a wide range of holistic and alternative options beyond what your GP or surgeon can provide. A lot of the time, these approaches can help you achieve improved or longer-lasting pain relief, minimize or eliminate dependency on pharmaceuticals, and even delay or avoid surgery. One option is manipulation under anesthesia, also known as MUA. This is a completely non-invasive treatment that can help relieve chronic pain along the spine and neck, even when other more invasive procedures have failed.
As the name implies, sedation is required for MUA. When a patient is sedated, our practitioner can perform spinal maneuvers and stretches that are otherwise too uncomfortable or painful when the patient is alert. Pain addressed by MUA is often caused by scar tissue and/or muscle spasms, but under anesthesia the patient can undergo this manipulation pain-free.
MUA vs. Regular Manual Manipulation
You’ve probably heard about regular manipulation that isn’t performed under anesthesia, such as maneuvers performed by chiropractors and physical therapists. MUA isn’t brand new—it’s been available for decades. However, usually only pain clinics provide this treatment and it can be very effective for stubborn pain.
When spinal joints are too painful to move with regular manipulation, MUA might be an option. Scar tissue, otherwise known as fibrous adhesions, lead to chronic inflammation in nearby areas such as muscles and nerves. It might feel like these areas hurt too much to move when you’re awake, but under sedation it is possible to move these areas without damaging or causing pain. Anesthesia causes the muscles to relax and allows your pain doctor to put your joints through necessary ranges of motion. These movements can stretch and break up fibrous adhesions so they become less resistant and inflamed.
Conclusion
Learn more or schedule your consultation with Peak Health and Wellness by calling (801) 689-3389.