Manipulation Under Anesthesia (M.U.A.)

Manipulation Under Anesthesia
Today we offer a unique opportunity for chronic pain sufferers, this simple and painless procedure is providing a level of relief never dreamed possible. Instead of allowing patients that failed to respond to conservative care to slip into a cycle of drugs and surgery, doctors are giving them the opportunity to live pain free lives through a procedure known as Manipulation under Anesthesia (MUA).

What is Manipulation Under Anesthesia?
Manipulation Under Anesthesia, otherwise known as MUA, is a non-invasive procedure increasingly offered for acute and chronic conditions, including: neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, fibromyalgia, disc conditions, chronic fibrosis of muscles and tissues, as well as long term pain syndromes.

The patient is lightly sedated, which is known as twilight sedation, the same sedation used during colonoscopies. They can then be mobilized, adjusted and stretched in a way not possible through traditional in-office care. Stretching and manipulation of the spine with the patient sedated is one of the gentlest and most effective methods of altering chronic pain. Manipulation Under Anesthesia is a viable alternative for those patients that are not responding to traditional conservative care or other invasive procedures such as pain management injections and surgery.

What is the History of Manipulation Under Anesthesia?
Manipulation Under Anesthesia is an established and widely recognized procedure that has been part of the manual medical arena for more than sixty years. The practice of MUA can be traced back to the late 1930’s and its popularity has continued to grow in recent years as research has shown that MUA is safe and is highly successful in treating acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Who would be a Candidate for Manipulation Under Anesthesia?
In general, patients selected for Manipulation Under Anesthesia are those with certain neck, mid-back, low-back or other spinal conditions that have received conservative care for six to eight weeks with limited or no improvement in symptoms or findings. Conservative care includes traditional chiropractic care, physical therapy, and pain management. MUA may also be appropriate for those patients that still experience pain after undergoing various invasive treatments such as surgery. Not all patients qualify for MUA as certain contraindications prevent some from undergoing the procedure. Consult your physician or contact our office for more information regarding the criteria for the procedure.

What is Manipulation Under Anesthesia Procedure like?
The Manipulation Under Anesthesia procedure involves three consecutive days of treatment. During these three days a patient is treated with spinal manipulative therapy and MUA stretches. Since the patient is lightly sedated during the MUA procedure, the usual resistance and pain associated with stretching and manipulation is eliminated. Through the use of “conscious sedation,” a patient is conscious and responsive, but relaxed, allowing the physician to more effectively administer adjustments and stretches similar to those received during regular chiropractic visits. This form of sedation is also known as twilight sedation, which means the patient recovers quickly and is allowed to go home very shortly after the procedure.

After the series of treatment procedures, treatment continues as strengthening and stabilization programs are initiated over the next few weeks. Post-Procedure care is a vital part of the MUA procedure as fibrotic scar tissue can begin to form within 24 hours. Follow-up visits with a Chiropractic Physician is important as the stretches accomplished during the MUA procedure are built upon, helping the patient to regain strength and prevent future pain and discomfort.

Where is the Manipulation Under Anesthesia Procedure Performed?
The MUA procedure is performed at the Gladiolus Surgery Center, an independently owned and operated, state-of-the-art, multi-specialty Ambulatory Surgery Center located in Fort Meyers, FL. Patients receive the best in comprehensive, personalized care as well as the convenience and privacy of a same day surgical center. As a patient, this means that you are heading home only a few hours after you arrive for the procedure.

The Gladiolus Surgery Center’s facilities include fully-equipped, State Licensed Certified operating rooms, Board Certified Anesthesiologists/ Anesthetists, monitored recovery rooms, spacious waiting areas for a patient’s family and friends, plenty of onsite parking, handicap accessibility and complimentary patient transportation if needed.

Who Performs the Manipulation Under Anesthesia Procedure?
Those involved during the MUA procedure include a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, an MUA certified D.C. and/or D.O. who perform the stretching and manipulation procedure with the assistance of the skilled nursing staff of the Surgical Center. Only a physician that has been certified in MUA can perform the MUA procedure. At the Gladiolus Surgery Center we take pride in our doctors who are not only certified by accredited institutions in MUA, but are also highly experienced, having helped to relieve the pain of hundreds of patients.

What are the Effects of Manipulation Under Anesthesia Procedure?

The effects of Manipulation Under Anesthesia therapy include the following:

• Breaking up scar tissue (fibrotic adhesions) either in and around the spinal joints, commonly caused by multiple injuries or failed back surgery.
• Decreasing chronic muscle spasm
• Overcoming super-sensitivity of injured areas, making the patient unable to cooperate for effective treatment
• Stretching persistent shortened muscles, ligaments and tendons
• Relief from pain and radiating symptoms caused by damaged inter-vertebral discs.
• Most importantly however, Manipulation Under Anesthesia affords patients immediate relief and noticeable difference in their daily lives post-procedure. These positive results only continue to improve with time and post-MUA therapy. Studies have shown that one MUA procedure is equivocal to nearly 30 regular chiropractic office visits!

My Doctor Says I am a Candidate for MUA, now what?
Patients who have been selected for MUA by their doctor typically undergo a medical screening process that includes a medical history and physical examination, CBC blood studies, chest X-Rays, EKG’s and other diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT’s. These procedures are not required for every potential patient, but are in place as a standard for those patients with greater health concerns.

Once a patient is cleared and medical necessity for MUA is determined, a Gladiolus Surgery Center representative will pre-certify and schedule the procedure dates and times. The Gladiolus Surgery Center will also handle the explanation of all pre and post-operative instructions, answer any questions the patient may have about the procedure and arrange transportation for the patient if necessary. At the Gladiolus Surgery Center, we pride ourselves in working with our patients to make their MUA experience as hassle free, comfortable and successful as possible!