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Spinal manipulation is a technique where practitioners use their hands or a device to apply a controlled thrust to a joint of the spine. Most spinal manipulations are done by chiropractors, but other licensed professionals including osteopathic physicians and physical therapists also use this technique.
Spinal manipulation is used to help manage musculoskeletal pain conditions. There is evidence that it may be helpful for acute or chronic low-back pain or neck pain and for some types of headaches, including cervicogenic headache (head pain that originates from a problem in the neck) and possibly migraines.
Spinal manipulation sometimes produces transient side effects, such as increased pain or discomfort, stiffness, or headache. These symptoms usually go away within 24 hours. Serious side effects of spinal manipulation are very rare.
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