Manipulation
Under Anesthesia (MUA)
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What
is MUA?
Manipulation
under anesthesia is a technique that originated in the 1930's
where patients are placed in "twilight" sedation so
that the spine can be adjusted and the soft tissue stretched while
the patient is in a more relaxed state. There are some patients
whose acute condition may warrant MUA, but the overwhelming majority
of patients who choose MUA as a treatment option are those with
chronic pain that have been unresponsive to conventional treatment.
What
is the MUA 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 manipulation is eliminated.
Through the use of "conscious sedation," a patient is
conscious and responsive, but relaxed, allowing the physician
to administer adjustments similar to those received during regular
chiropractic visits but more effectively.
Who Performs the MUA Procedure?
Those involved during the MUA procedure include the Board Certified
Anesthesiologist, an MUA certified M.D./D.O. and or D.C. who performs
the manipulation and the skilled nursing staff of the Surgical
Center.
Only
a physician that has been certified in MUA can perform the MUA
procedure. At the Surgical Center, we take pride that our doctors,
who are not only certified by accredited institutions in MUA,
but highly experienced, having helped to relieve the pain of hundreds
of patients.
Where is MUA performed?
Once
it is determined that you are a MUA candidate, medical clearance
will be arranged by one of our offices and the MUA will be scheduled
at the Hallandale or Vero Beach Surgical Centers.
Who
is the MUA patient?
Patients
whose chronic pain is due to one of the following sources is a
MUA candidate: (this is a partial list only)
o
Fixed articulations from adhesion syndrome
o Herniated disc w/out fragment
o Bulging disc
o Protruded disc
o Failed back surgery
o Fibromyalgia patients
o Chronic sprain/strain
o Unresponsive muscle contracture
o Chronic neuromusculoskeletal conditions
My
Doctor Says I am a Candidate for MUA!
Patients who have been selected for the Manipulation Under Anesthesia
Procedure by their doctor typically undergo a medical screening
process to determine true MUA candidacy.
This
screening process includes a medical history and physical examination
and where indicated, CBC blood studies, chest X-Rays, EKG's and
other diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT's.
Once
a patient is cleared and medical necessity for MUA is determined,
a Surgical Center representative will pre-certify and schedule
the procedure dates and times. The Surgical 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 Surgical Center,
they pride themselves in working with our patients to make their
MUA experience as hassle free, comfortable and successful as possible!
What are the Effects of Manipulation Under Anesthesia Procedure?
The
proposed effects of Manipulation Under Anesthesia therapy include
the following:
" Breaking up scar tissue (adhesions) both in and around
the spinal joints, commonly caused by multiple injuries or failed
back surgery.
" A 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
intervertebral 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.
Treatment
after your MUA:
The
treatment after your MUA is extremely important to your recovery.
Dr. Barbach and his staff will arrange for the treatment after
your MUA at either one of his centers or at your chiropractor/healthcare
provider in your area. Our treatment goal with this procedure
is to have you return to a pain free lifestyle. We are dedicated
to doing whatever is necessary to achieve this goal.
Is MUA covered by my insurance?
MUA
is covered by most insurance carriers.
For more information or to make an appointment for a
consultation please call
561-967-6655
